Victims Of Homicide Remembered At City Hall

by Justin Udo

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Philadelphia officials come together to reflect on the lives of those who died as a result of a violent crime.

Thursday was the National Day of Remembrance for Murder Victims.

"We are lifting that up to say we won't ever forget our loved ones that we've lost to homicide," said Dorothy Johnson-Speight.

On Thursday afternoon the community action group Mothers in Charge held a meeting at City Hall to discuss violence prevention throughout Philadelphia.

"We're also wanting to have dialogue and conversation about homicide as a public epidemic. It is the leading cause of death among African-American males 14-35," said Johnson-Speight.

Dorothy Johnson-Speight Founded Mothers in Charge in 2001 after her son Khaaliq was killed over a parking space.

She says their group holds numerous programs throughout the region to help curtail violence.

"We've lost our family, we've lost our dreams, we've lost our sons and daughters, and we don't ever want to forget them, and we don't want anyone else to forget them," she said.

During the day's events speakers offered solutions and talked about programs for those coping with having to deal with a violent crime.

In:
• Philadelphia