New Coalition Fighting Crime, Encouraging City Residents

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Shooting for Peace. That's the name of a new coalition fighting crime and encouraging city residents. The coalition comes as we approach the one-year anniversary of the events that followed the death of Freddie Gray.

Marcus Washington has the latest anti-violence initiative in Baltimore City.

Shooting for Peace will take place during a week in April, filled with events promoting anti-violence, peace and unity. They're going to do it with some big names and a lot of fun.

They've come to the table with a mission...

"You know, you hear the old saying-- it says -- 'It takes a village to raise a child.' Well, we come together as a team because it takes a team to get a victory," said Ray Sydnor, Shooting for Peace.

Shooting for Peace is a new coalition formed to promote peace, hope and unity in the city of Baltimore. It was nearly a year ago that the city faced a tough reality brought on after the death of Freddie Gray in police custody.

"So we're coming up on the one year anniversary of an incident that happened in Baltimore, and that's not what Baltimore is and that is not what Baltimore is all about," said Sydnor.

During the week of April 11, Shooting for Peace has permission to enter every elementary, middle and high school in Baltimore City, sharing the message of hope, anti-violence, anti-drugs, peace and unity.

"And we'll be celebrating -- we'll just be talking about the great things that are going on in Baltimore -- but most importantly, we'll be loving on each other as a community," said Lt. Colonel Melvin Russell, Baltimore City Police Department.

"The interactions that these role models will have with our young people in that week leading up to this game is going to be just an opportunity to celebrate where we are and where we need to go," said Commissioner Kevin Davis, Baltimore City Police Department.

Baltimore City police will also be involved, as they help with the efforts to connect a city as the eyes of the world are watching.

"To be a part of something that has never been done before in Baltimore, to be a part of something that really could help change a situation -- for me -- that's a miraculous peace in my life and I want to be a part of it," said Ted Sutton, Shooting for Peace.

The Shooting for Peace events will take place from April 11 until April 16, ending with a game at Coppin State University, featuring NBA stars against Baltimore stars.