MILWAUKEE — Homicides and violence continue to rise in Milwaukee. That’s why local activists and church leaders came together on Sunday to march for a cause in the 7th annual Stop the Violence Prayer Walk.

Tracey Dent created the march after an unsettling thought crossed his mind.

“I was at home and I heard gunshots,” said Dent. “I thought about: what if gun shots happen and a bullet comes through my house and strikes me or my daughter? How devastating will that be for me?”

Now, he has a mission to keep the residents in Milwaukee safe.

“Just because we are out here marching doesn’t mean violence is going to stop,” said Dent. “When we see people out here, we’re not scared and we’re out here. Maybe it will get others involved, and that’s what marches are for — to motivate people to get involved.” 

Brenda Hines marched to protect her community and for her son. She lost her son, Donovan Hines, in 2017 when he was only 23 years old to gun violence. She said she wants others to know that violence isn’t the answer.  

“There’s ways to solve problems,” said Hines. “I know there’s a lot of poverty and other things going on, but we must come together. And this violence can be overcome by us coming together.”

A few dozen people marched alongside Dent and Hines. They chanted for peace and prayed for those who lost their lives to violence.