Photo: Suzanne Sausville / WBZ NewsRadio
BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — In solidarity of a more peaceful community, people marched more than seven miles for the 26th annual Mother's Day Walk for Peace from the Louis D. Brown Peace Institute.
Starting at Town Field, Dorchester, many of the walkers were mothers of murdered children, some of which spoke against gun violence. Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley was in attendance, speaking out against gun violence and calling it a "public health emergency."
According to Walk for Peace officials, around 27,500 people were murdered last year in the United States. The organization estimates that there are at least 10 direct family members impacted per death, meaning there are at least 275,000 new grieving survivors in 2022.
Photo: Suzanne Sausville / WBZ NewsRadio
The Louis D. Brown Peace Institute is named after President and CEO Chaplain Clementina Chéry's son Louis, who was murdered 26 years ago. The organization started gaining traction when Chéry wondered how she could grieve her son on Mother's Day while celebrating with her living children, officials said. From there, mothers have supported each other every Mother's Day on the Walk for Peace, honoring the loved ones lost and promoting a shared responsibility of peacemaking.
Read More: "Miles For Mental Health" Offers Free Bluebikes Trips Every Sunday In May
This year, walkers were shoulder to shoulder for the first time in a while, as the Walk for Peace has not been held in-person since 2020.
"The African proverb reminds us that when we pray, we must move our feet," Pressley said at the event.
The Louis D. Brown Peace Institute hopes to raise over $600,000 at this year's walk to fund organization services, as a hub of healing, teaching, and learning for families suffering the impacts of murder, trauma, grief, and loss.
WBZ's Suzanne Sausville (@wbzSausville) reports.
Follow WBZ NewsRadio: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | iHeartmedia App