As we reported earlier on in the newscast, the barriers blocking off three blocks of Dean Street were removed today. That gives residents some sense of relief - and one hour ago they utilized that to hold a peaceful candle-light procession around their neighborhood.
They call it a healing process to mend the this emotional toll that violence has taken on this south side community. Women, men and children chanted for peace through the streets of their neighborhood.
Residents, of course, include members of the George Street Gang and parents of the deceased. They told Monica Bodden why they are marching:..
Dorla Vaughn, Area resident
"We are doing a vigil for the 4 guys because since the murder we believe the community has been in distress."
Betty Welch, Mother of Leonard Meyers
"People are not satisfy with the results of whatsoever happened because the guys that died along with my son - they were not bad guys, everybody loved them but as I told you that I am fine - I am only waiting to hear what is going to happen after this."
Michelle Williams, area resident
"We ask for peace, so we invited our neighbors and other invited guests. We ask for the police to come out - everyone is still grieving. We lost 4 good persons in our lives, so they will be missed."
Dorla Vaughn, Area resident
"We almost finished because we started on the bridge and we went around the canal side, Euphrates, we are back to make one circle and whenever we reached at the corner Plues Street again there will be a short service and then we will be lighting 4 candles and put it at the apartment."
Betty Welch, Mother of Leonard Meyers
"I hope they can see that people get tired. This thing is not only gang; the people that supposed to protect us are not with us. They only seem that they are with us but in my sight they are not with us - not all of them because you have good and bad. I am talking about the bad ones and who are the bad ones? You know. I don't have to call any names."
Monica Bodden
"I see you are standing up strong."
Betty Welch, Mother of Leonard Meyers
"I am a strong black African all the time and forever."
Michelle Williams, area resident
"It's something peaceful. We want to send a positive message for the community - no war, just peace. We don't need to be going through what we are going through right now - we are still going through grieve, so we are asking for peace."
A short memorial service was held at the apartment building where the four men were murdered.
They continued the procession for about half an hour.
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