PITTSBURGH — Faith leaders, public officials and neighbors came together in Homewood on Saturday for what organizers called a “celebration of life.”
The annual community event took on added meaning following recent deadly shootings in the area.
“We need to stop, look, listen, care for one another, pray for one another,” said Andrienne Young with Tree of Hope. “We cannot continue to kill one another.”
Dr. William Glaze, pastor of Bethany Baptist Church, said one of the goals was to bring the church beyond its walls and reach people of all ages who may be struggling with the recent violence.
“When you look and see stuff and all the tragedies that happen, it’s very easy to give up and want to just abandon hope and abandon the community,” Glaze said.
Police are still searching for clues after they said someone shot 34-year-old Andrew Hall on Idlewild Street shortly after 5 a.m. Wednesday.
Around 1 p.m. on Tuesday, 29-year-old Shakir Jackson was shot and killed inside The Spot convenience store along Frankstown Avenue.
Another man was also wounded.
Police have not indicated that the shootings are connected.
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State Rep. Abigail Salisbury and a representative from the Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office joined neighbors at Saturday’s event.
“I think in order to make a difference in our community, we have to make sure we focus on those community-building activities that bring our neighbors together,” Salisbury said.
Organizers said they want the gathering to strengthen relationships across Homewood and encourage people not to lose hope despite the violence.
Although this year’s event focused heavily on the recent shootings, organizers said the celebration of life is typically held every year.
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