City leaders meet with public for peace rally in north Charlotte

City leaders, activists and police officers met with the community Sunday evening at a rally for peace in north Charlotte.

The rally wasn’t just a call to end violence, organizers tried to connect people to the resources they need.

There was a very serious message behind the lively and fun gathering that drew dozens of people to the rally.

Shaun Corbett, the organizer of the rally and owner of Da Lucky Spot barber shop where the rally was held, said the event was about celebrating the lives of those lost to violent crime and it's a call for peace.

To do that, Corbett said, it's necessary to bring back a sense of community that he said has been lost, and focus on helping each other and bringing opportunities to one another.

There was also a small job fair at the event.

The mayor was there to speak with people, along with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department officers and the NAACP.

Corbett said that people need to come together to end violence.

"We can't put it all on our city council and we can't put it all on CMPD because I've never heard anyone call 911 and say I'm about to go kill somebody, meet me over there,” Corbett said. “We have to take a few steps back and get in our communities and create opportunities for our young men."

Corbett said this is first event of its kind that he has hosted and he plans to hold it annually.

“Due to all the murders that's been going on since January, we just decided to come together,” Corbett said. “I think it's something we need to do as a village."

Most in attendance agree that it will take more than just a block of people to solve the violence issue.

Charlotte has had 49 homicides so far this year compared to just 27 at this time last year.

“What the summer brings is a lot of violence and I don't know why,” said Marlaina Williford, who attended with her kids, nieces and nephews. “I am hoping this will bring everyone together and will give everyone an understanding of each one’s culture.”

“I moved here in 1980 and I have never seen it like this before,” attendee Kathy Bridges said.

The most recent killing occurred on July 3 in University City.

Police said Daryl Roby is accused of shooting and killing family member Harold Jones during an argument.

Police said one of the biggest problems is people trying to solve arguments with violence.

Cox Media Group