Unity March Calls For Peace Amid Racial Tensions, Gang Violence

DENVER (CBS4)- Dozens gathered for a unity march through the streets of Denver on Saturday for peace in light or racial tensions and gang violence.

Marchers gathered at Columbus- La Raza Park in the Highlands neighborhood for the "Unity in the Community" event organized by the New Beginnings church.

They chanted, "Unity, unity, unity" during the march and held signs that read "Love not Hate" and "No More Violence."

Organizers say although the church shooting in Charleston, S.C. has added significance to the event, they say it's about bridging the racial divide, stopping gang violence and showing solidarity.

"Stop the gang violence, stop the drugs, let's all come together," was one marcher's message.

They want peace returned to their community after it has seen its share of racial tension and gang violence.

"I'm tired of doing funerals and burying kids because they didn't have a chance," said New Beginnings Pastor Dave Romero.

As they remembered victims of violence in their own neighborhood, Romero prayed for those in South Carolina.

"It grieves my heart to see this happen," said Romero. "This is a time when a community needs to come together and put their differences aside."

"It's opening eyes to people to see that things can happen anywhere, anytime, even in a church," said neighbor Geri Martinez. "We have to be aware of our surroundings and the people we're with."

Denver Police Cmndr. Paul Pazen said he grew up in the neighborhood and said police can't stop the violence alone.

"We're working with our faith based community, working with our kids in trying to put them on a path, in fact the Office of Economic Development is here looking to give our jobs, looking to hire these kids and get them engaged that way they can avoid this violence that we're seeing across the country."

"They see us marching through their neighborhood, saying we are going to create peace, we are here for peace," said New Beginnings Youth Pastor Ronald Blan.

The event also includes food and music and games for the kids. The church has organized the event for the beginning of summer the past three years because they realize the potential for more gang violence in the summer months.