MILWAUKEE — As police continue to investigate the downtown shootings last week after the Milwaukee Bucks playoff game, Bucks chaplain organized a prayer rally in the Deer District Plaza.

Kenneth Lock serves as not only the team chaplain but also as the lead pastor for Evolve Church.

He invited area churches to pray over the community.

“What happened on that day doesn’t represent who we are all at and we don’t want to let it leave as a kind of isolated event and, even worse, start the summer that way,” Lock said. “We want to make sure we are about our peace and love. We all want to have fun. We want to do it in a way that our loved ones are protected.”

Pastor Lock recalled being heartbroken over the downtown shootings that overshadowed the game.

“It placed a fear on the community and that’s one of the things that divides us and takes away the synergy, the excitement that we had around this Bucks organization,” he said. “The Bucks organization has been great about bringing this community together, peace, love and joy, so we had to respond quickly and making sure that we protect the heart of what we really want our city to be.”

Demetra Lock is the founder of Community Cry Inc., a faith-based organization that seeks to raise up women and Pastor Lock’s mother.

She felt this rally showed the power of prayer and agreement that Milwaukee has a bright future.

“I got 35 grandbabies here. I don’t have 12 children,” Demetra Lock said. “They are all grown now but they are in this city, so we want them to be safe as they raise up in their growing.”

For Pastor Lock, the prayer rally was an important step for the city to heal from the downtown shootings.

“We still have the mindset to make real change so our city is our village and no matter what happens, we are going to continue to believe in God for more and find better ways to love one another,” he said.

Congresswoman Gwen Moore also came to the prayer rally.

Pastor Lock said they also invited other politicians.

He believes this shows they are willing to work with elected leaders to find solutions to reduce violence in the city.