Dozens of dads gathered on Cleveland’s east side Sunday afternoon to call for peace after a weekend of violence in the city, many of the shootings targeting children and young adults.
The rally was held at E. 113th and Union around 2 p.m.
“We need everyone to come together as fathers, as men, as people in general,” said Jacques Smith, a community activist. “We love our city, we love our children, and we cannot keep letting senseless crimes go on.”
The group’s goal is to be a thousand fathers strong.
“We can’t say black lives matter when it doesn’t matter to one another and we’re killing each other,” added event organizer Robert Mathis.
Another similar event is planned for next weekend.
