A diverse group of marchers took to the streets in East Lake to spread the message, “Stop the Violence!” Shot over a year ago, and still in a wheelchair, Keoshia Ford’s family pushed her at the head of the procession from Temple Baptist Church to the Salvation Army. LaToya Holloman organized the event because too many young people have been killed by violence in our streets, she said, and she wants to do something to stop the violence starting today.
Supporters for the Stop the Violence! March and the concert that took place at Salvation Army afterward include Chattanooga Gang Task Force and The Future Is Ours and Boyd Patterson and Fred Houser, Chattanooga Education, Arts & Culture and Administrator Missy Crutchfield, Hamilton County Commissioner Tim Boyd, City Councilman-elect Chip Henderson, City Councilman-elect Moses Freeman, recording artist T-Ran Gilbert and 22Visionz, and Big Mike Mic with “A City Without Tears” project.
The event spotlighted local talent including Roddie, Brian Billups, Marcus Lee, Sasha's Signing group and RMJR. and shared the message that all can use their talents and strengths do something to address violence in our community.
Taking place during Chattanooga’s “Season for Nonviolence” marking the season between Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s assassinations and organized by Education, Arts & Culture, community events like the Stop the Violence! March and concert are all part of the city-wide movement to take Gandhi’s message of nonviolence into lives and onto streets.
To learn more about Chattanooga’s “Season for Nonviolence” visit Education, Arts & Culture’s page on www.chattanooga.gov.