CHICAGO (CBS) – Hundreds of people marched Saturday to honor the victims of Chicago’s gun violence in 2016.
The peace rally participants walked down Michigan Avenue carrying crosses for each person killed in 2016.
Peace March For Chicago Violence (WBBM/Mike Krauser)
The crosses were made by Greg Zanis of Aurora, each with a name of a person shot and killed in Chicago this year. There was over 760 people killed.
The Rev. Michael Pfleger, a Chicago priest, said the crosses will be carried on Saturday beginning at 11 a.m. in the shopping district along Michigan Avenue.
Pfleger said he hopes the visual will put others into action to prevent violence in 2017.
“The last day of the year we will remember all of who’ve been shot and killed in 2016 (and prior),” Pfleger said in a statement. “We want to break the cycle of violence for 2017!”
Crosses for the victims of Chicago gun violence in 2016 (WBBM/Mike Krauser)
After Saturday’s march, the more than 760 crosses will be placed in a vacant lot at 55th and Bishop on the city’s South Side.
The rally comes as loved ones mourn the loss of Yuri Hardy, one of the city’s latest shooting victims.
Hardy was shot Wednesday night in the Austin neighborhood while on his way home from a dance competition. He died Friday morning.
Family and friends held a candlelight vigil Friday night to remember the 19-year old.
Hardy’s sister told CBS 2 he was an honor student at Urban Prep Academy and expected to graduate in June. He was enjoying his senior year.
“Yuri was an amazing kid, he died doing what he loved, dancing,” said Kenyatta Horton, Yuri’s sister. “He was excited about going to prom, he was excited about going to college.”
Hardy’s dance team also performed in his honor Friday night.
Chicago police said they are investigating the shooting, but so far, no one is in custody.
from CBS Chicago http://ift.tt/2it6qZW
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