10th annual ‘Pray 4 Peace March’ takes place in Homewood

PITTSBURGH — This is the 10th year for the "Pray 4 Peace March," but this year is even more significant.

With their fists in the air, people joined together to pray for the violence to end in their community.

While the group was small, their voices were loud

“My message is to stop black-on-black crime. We have to start loving ourselves,” said Michelle Gilmore of Homewood. “You know I’m against police brutality and all that, but we have to stop killing ourselves first.”

“I want to stand in solidarity with my black brothers and sisters. And I think it’s a mandate for all Christians for us to participate,” said Tyler Marwood of Brighton Heights.

The “Pray 4 Peace March” started at Westinghouse high school and ended about a half -mile away at the House of Manna in Homewood.

Some of the marchers, the Steel City Beauties and other organizations served the hungry in Homewood as the COVID -19 pandemic continues.

“People still can’t get out. They’re scared to get out. A lot of people scared to go back to work, you know, because of this virus going around,” Gilmore said.

Over on Kelly Street, you see artwork that’s meant to inspire and educate.

“Conscious art, art that’s saying something. Art that’s taking a stand. Art that’s speaking out against social injustices,” said Rashad Byrdsong, the CEO of the Community Empowerment Association.

A huge mural of African American history, on the side of the Community Empowerment Association building, has been painted over the years by nearly a hundred children from the Homewood Summer Camp.

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Homewood mural Artist Kyle Holbrook is painting a massive mural in Homewood to honor George Floyd and black history.

The lead artist is Kyle Holbrook, who told Channel 11 he himself is a victim of police brutality.

Now, he is paying tribute to George Floyd by adding his image on the mural.

“One thing I’m conscious of is the power of public art. And I feel it’s my duty as an artist, as a black artist to share not only my stories but my talent for the greater good,” Holbrook said.

The Community Empowerment Association also uses this mural as a teaching tool for children and members of the community.

RAW: Artist paints huge Homewood mural to honor life, legacy of George Floyd RAW: Artist paints huge Homewood mural to honor life, legacy of George Floyd

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