Mothers Call For End To Violence, Drugs in West Baltimore

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- About a dozen mothers took to the streets of West Baltimore on Friday afternoon, calling for action to put an end to the violent crime and lack of access to education in their neighborhoods.

They staged a protest at the corner of Martin Luther King Boulevard and Pennsylvania Avenue, hoping their public rally would call attention to the problems they said are holding children in their communities back.

"What do we want? Safe streets! When do you want it? Now!" the crowd chanted.

Among those gathered was Jane Henderson with Communities United, the group which helped the activists organize the protest.

"We're here to day because we recognize that violence and trauma is a huge problem in the city of Baltimore, particularly in these communities that really are (neglected) by the city government," Henderson said.

Most of the protesters were from Perkins, Gilmore and McCulloh homes, who said they're tired of the drug trade and violent crime plaguing their communities.

Despite a downward trend in homicides, parents like Rochelle Barksdale said they want safer streets for their children.

"It's a lot of violence, a lot of drugs," she said. "We need to clean all of that up because first it starts at home. It's what you instill in your kids. If they see you out here doing things, they're going to do it too."

According to statistics provided by city police, there have been 175 homicides so far in Baltimore this year. That's down from 192 at the same time in 2015.

Communities United said Friday the group will also be pushing for a $15 an hour minimum wage before the city council on Monday night.