Community members rally in East Westwood to curb violence through worship

Ajouté : 2026-05-27

[00:00:00]Community activists say they're taking back the narrative of the neighborhood.

[00:00:03]This [music] afternoon, the corner of Baltimore and McHenry was filled with messages of peace, love, and unity.

[00:00:09]Peace, hope, and love.

[00:00:11]Yeah, that's what it's all about.

[00:00:14]Things kicked off with a prayer march.

[00:00:16]>> I want you to know that these young people come from all over Cincinnati.

[00:00:20]All aiming to curb violence through worship. So, the churches in the neighborhood bringing their worship out here. Community members and faith-based leaders came together to share messages louder than passing car horns. And we marched to stop the violence.

[00:00:34]Show love, give people opportunities to to talk to people.

[00:00:38]Um as you hear that horn blowing, we actually do honk for peace. There's some kids out there holding signs saying honk for peace, honk for love. So, some people get out the car and start doing it with us. What kind of message do you think an event like this sends to those who are, you know, behind the violence in the neighborhood?

[00:00:57]I'm hoping it encourages them. I'm hoping they reach out and say, "What can we do? How can you help us do the same thing?" All while honoring the lives of the 58 fatal shooting victims across the city since the start of 2025, including 13-year-old Israel Bishop, who was shot and killed in Winton Hills back in February 2025. Cuz they indefinitely can be divided and this will bring them together. Longtime mentor Rodney Christian, who grew up around the corner from the Hope Resource Center he now serves, says it's all about showing up even when there hasn't been a recent tragedy. They do this and then wait till next year to do something else.

[00:01:32]And you can't do it when when when violence occur, after violence occur.

[00:01:37]You have to be consistent.

[00:01:38]We already got something planned for next week. All right.

[00:01:41]And we have to do that.

[00:01:45]In East Westwood reporting, Jackie Bauer, WCPO 9 News.