Muskegon community rallies for peace

MUSKEGON, Mich. (WOOD) - Muskegon community members gathered Thursday evening in response to the recent string of violence in the area. There have been four deadly shootings in recent weeks, among other incidents.

Residents held the peace rally in an effort to make a difference in the community, they told 24 Hour News 8.

"When I was growing up, it was never this bad in one month," said Georgia Crenshaw, who lives nearby. "I just don't know."

Crenshaw brought her three sons to the rally in order to learn about making smart decisions, she said.

"I brought them so they can understand what's going on and get a concept," Crenshaw said. "They need to hear it as much as possible. I try to tell them everyday when they go to school -- fighting and violence is not the way. Think first. Think of the consequences."

That was the message each speaker stressed to Thursday's crowd of about 100. The rally lasted about two hours.

"They act like they're gunslingers in the wild wild west," local church leader Rev. Walter Butts said.

He spoke of connecting with youth and making the concept of 'family' important again.

"No 16-year-old should be outside driving at 3:30 (in the morning)," said Rev. Khi Guy, another local church leader.

The residents who attended the rally said they are terrified in their own community and want to brainstorm solutions together.

"I think everybody here wants to see Muskegon be a better place," Butts said. "I know one meeting ain't gonna do it."

But it's a start, everyone agreed.

"It's not about snitching and things like that," Crenshaw said. "You wanna wait until someone dies first? We need to come together and stop this."

Rally attendees also agreed on the idea that the community needs something more for children to do -- something like a recreation center.

The meeting was just the first step in a solution, everyone agreed.