Dozens of people walked for peace, Saturday, with a clear message to their South Florida community: Father figures are important in children’s lives.
Athletes and city leaders from several cities across county lines came together and walked from Miami Gardens to Miramar to call for an end to gun violence.
Among those intent on making their voices heard was Gernald Hawkins, the founder of Fathers M.I.A., which hosted the event. “Our athletes are coming to gather as one team, just one unit,” he said. “No matter what school, what county you’re from, we’re coming together, so we can bring light on the violence that’s going on in our neighborhoods.”
The walk is taking place one week after 8-year-old Jada Paige and 15-year-old Isaiah Solomon were both killed by bullets intended for someone else.
Miami Gardens Police Chief Antonio Brooklen marveled at the show of support from young people. “To have these young men, these young athletes trying to do something to take a stance against gun violence and violence itself, it’s just amazing,” he said.
Community leaders who participated in Saturday’s walk wanted to convey an urgent message: It is imperative to lead by example. “We as police need to come together with our community united to address the problems that we have today,” said Miami-Dade Police Director Juan Perez.
“Our kids will be who they see, and when they see their leaders doing great things and setting the example, as well as allowing them to lead their peers, then they will grow and mature into the great leaders we want them to be,” said Miramar Mayor Wayne Messam, “so I think it will have a great impact on all of the kids.”
The march started at Antioch Baptist Church in Miami Gardens and ended at Miramar High School.
Participants said they’re aware prayers and marches are not the only road to peace, but they are on the road to what they hope is a better future, with father figures stepping in to offer support along the way.
“It shows that we’re working together to make this place a better place,” said participant Bruce Britton. “A lot of times we hear about the negative publicity, but there’s a lot of good things that are going on.”
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