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Mothers Of Murdered Baltimore City Teens To March For Change

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Advocating change. Mothers of Murdered Sons meets with several political figures in an effort to combat the violence against Baltimore City's youth.

Rochelle Ritchie has more on the event and the action they are taking.

These mothers say they are fed up with the number of teenagers killed on Baltimore City streets. Now a local woman is hoping to make a difference by hosting the first Million Moms March.

It's the faces of teenagers like Michael Mayfield, Najee Thomas and Oscar Torres that has Mothers of Murdered Sons and Daughters begging for change.

"The murders in Baltimore City are astronomical. They say the count is down, but if you go around, we're still burying two or three young people a week here right here in Baltimore City," said Daphne Austin, M.O.M.S.

In a public forum in Baltimore City, these mothers tell stories of the unimaginable pain and suffering that comes with burying a child.

"I've never been through anything like this. It's just a hard time and a sad time for me right now," said Michelle Carter, M.O.M.S.

It's this kind of agony that has pushed lawmakers to step in and help.

"We've got to find that legislation that will help address these problems and then be advocates for the legislation," Rep. Elijah Cummings, (D) Maryland.

But the help isn't only coming from the state level, but out of Baltimore City.

"As mothers, there is no greater warrior in the streets of Baltimore City than a mom," said Melissa Bagley, M.O.M.S.

Bagley is planning the first Million Moms March to be held in Baltimore City this month in an effort to bring the issue of violence to the top of the city's agenda.

"We can accomplish our goals of keeping our children safe and keeping our children educated and informed if we give them the support. But as mothers, we need the support as well," she said.

The Million Moms March is expected to take place June 21.

At least 10 teenagers have been killed since the beginning of the year.

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