Emotions Run High At This Year's 'Unity In The Community' March
DENVER, Colo. (CBS4) - An anti-violence march in North Denver took on special meaning this year.
The fifth annual Unity in the Community brought together citizens and police. The rally ended at Columbus Park after a 13-block march down 38th Avenue. Organizers said the anti-violence event was originally focused on reducing gang violence.
Members of different groups and backgrounds met Saturday morning at 38th and Federal Boulevard.
The Christian Riders led the marchers, and police escorted them. Marchers stopped to shake hands with police officers, thanking them for their service.
"This is what it's all about, is getting everybody together," said Claude Garcia, a member of the Christian Riders. "It's not only one race. It's just anybody here in the community, to show that we all can come together in peace."
Geri Martinez, a member of New Beginnings Denver, helped start the anti-violence rally five years ago after a shooting in Denver. She said the rally was especially important this year in the wake of recent shootings around the country.
"We can't have this anymore," Martinez said. "There has got to be unity in our community. All lives matter. Not just black, white, Chicano, (or) whatever. All of us all matter."
Ali Alhilo has been marching every year since the rally began.
"It means a lot more this year too, with everything that's going on," said Alhilo.
Alhilo said that he felt a responsibility to be a leader in anti-violence.
"I think this is the only way you can beat it is if people actually come together as one and actually show the people who are doing the wrong thing what to do."
Melissa Garcia has been reporting for CBS4 News since March 2014. Find her bio here, follow her on Twitter @MelissaGarciaTV, or send your story idea to mkgarcia@cbs.com.
