Rally at Baltimore City Hall for Freddie Gray Anniversary

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Just a year ago, the city of Baltimore erupted into violence after Freddie Gray's death. Now it's a different mood as people in Baltimore from all walks of life sent out a message of unity.

Ava-joye Burnett shows us how the city is trying to heal one year later.

Some were concerned the one year anniversary would see a repeat of the horrible incidents that made international headlines but that was not the case. Instead, there was prayer and celebration.

Images of anger and frustration after Freddie Gray's death captured the world. Monday in the shadows of City Hall, there's determination to move forward.

"Commitment has to be real," said one speaker.

Organizers say 120 groups have joined forces to rebuild broken communities and to push for education and jobs.

"So we have a community that is on its back so what we want to do is put forth programs that train them how to get off their back themselves," said community activist Derrick Chase.

Across town was another gathering with the same goal. Religious leaders used this opportunity to send a message of healing.

Inside the Basilica, people from different religions united to pray for healing after the uprising.

"As I look back on that time where there was such despair, it really took my energy to say I am going to do everything I can to make certain that our people realize that we are not going to stop with the pain of the past, we are going to move forward into a future," said Union Baptist Church of Baltimore Rev. Dr. Allvin C. Hathaway, Sr.

Freddie Gray's death revealed a city divided but this gathering of hundreds also shows a city desperate for healing.

"There are differences and there shouldn't be. Any time we can get people of different faiths, people of different colors, people of different ethnicities, thoughts together, it's gotta help," said Dan DeRosa.

Both the community organizations and the interfaith leaders say you can expect to see them out in communities, listening to what people need, then trying their best to provide resources.