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Community Members, Students Hold Peace Rally Amid Violence In Baltimore

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Community members and students gathered outside Edmondson Westside High School on Wednesday to call for change amid the violence in Baltimore.

Those who were there called for peace, unity and an end to the violence.

The peace rally follows a violent 48 hours that saw six people shot on Tuesday night, and two others shot on Wednesday night.

There have been more than 40 homicides in the city so far this year.

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"We feel like we have to increase awareness, and the more people who are involved in the movement, the more possibility of change," Deborah McEachran, the peace rally organizer, said.

Students at Edmondson Westside High School said they recently lost two former peers to gun violence in Baltimore.

Now, people like Candyce Jackson are joining in on the fight to end the bloodshed.

"I wish it wasn't happening," Jackson said. "It's sad just to know I walked up and down the streets where someone was killed. It's bothersome."

The group made a promise to do its part to help make the City of Baltimore safe.

"I do want to be a part of the solution to this problem that affects my friends, family members, people who I have lost to violence in the issue. It's not just a legal issue or a city issue its a people issue so it starts with us," Rashard Michens said.

The group said it plans to hold a peace rally at least once a month next month to make the pledge for unity.

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