PORTSMOUTH, Va. — An effort to end violence in Hampton Roads will hit the streets of Portsmouth this weekend.
A local pastor plans to lead a march against violence on Saturday, hoping to inspire others to get involved in the solutions.
"Violence impacts all of us. Not just the kids who are lost, those who are incarcerated, and those who are murdered. No, it wreaks havoc on all of us," said Dr. Melvin Marriner, pastor of Grove Church in Portsmouth.
Marriner is organizing an event on Saturday, June 29, called "Better is Now: Violence in the Village."
Marchers will walk half a mile from the steps of the Portsmouth Courthouse to the Atlantic Union Bank Pavillion.
"Better is Now is about helping people understand that their environment doesn't dictate their future," said Marriner.
Marriner said this march is about connecting with families and ensuring they know they are supported.
"It's not about law enforcement. It's not about mayors, city council, individuals, prisons, all those things are important. But it's about the village, the congregations," he said. "Everyone coming together to say this is our community."
The nation's top doctor is calling on Congress to pass an automatic rifle ban, universal background checks for purchasing guns, and other measures.
Murthy also called for more gun violence research and for the health system to promote gun safety education during doctor visits.
Marriner said gun laws can help, but he wants to help change the mindset of people in the community.
"You can have gun control and gun legislation reform, but if that mindset is not in a place of greater possibility, they'll find ways around gun legislation," said Marriner.
The pastor said he's attended "countless" funerals for youth due to violence, and the recent shooting death of a 10-year-old innocent bystander in Portsmouth is one of the many tragedies that pushed Marriner to act.
Marriner said he wants to highlight the organizations that have long been working in this anti-violence space.
He's putting out a call to anyone in the City of Portsmouth to march with them...and to find a way to get involved.
"Portsmouth has about 95,000 citizens. I want 95,000 people there," he said. "Where can I fit in changing the narrative of the horrific impact of violence and low self-esteem in our community?"
People who want to participate in the march can meet at 8 a.m. on Saturday at the Portsmouth Courthouse on Court Street. The march will start at 9 a.m.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZYOm4HiR9e8