RSSHundreds take to streets against gangs
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YAKIMA, Wash. -- A march and rally against gang violence held Saturday could become an annual event, organizers said.
About 225 people participated in the Day of Hope walk and rally, according to estimates from the Yakima Police Department.
Participants walked from Millennium Plaza to Miller Park, where several government officials and anti-gang violence organizers encouraged participants to take action against gang violence by showing support for legislation in Olympia or encouraging their peers to consider alternatives to gangs.
Several city and state officials were at the event, including Attorney General Rob McKenna, who was one of the event's speakers.
"I believe this event sends a message that the community is taking action," he said in an interview after his speech. "(It) shows young people there is an alternative to hopelessness or gang violence."
Indeed, the rally help pump up attendees such as Kristina Gamet, 19, of Yakima.
"Violence is getting worse in Yakima and it needs to stop," she said. "I feel like I am supporting a good cause."
Yakima police Chief Sam Granato stated the importance of helping young people find alternatives to gangs. Sen. Curtis King, R-Yakima, and Rep. Charles Ross, R-Naches, both emphasized their work in passing anti-gang legislation in Olympia.
The rally and march was also a source of healing for co-organizer Tammy Masters, who lost her son, Mordeice "Mo" Adams, 18, in a shooting more than a year ago. She and others wore shirts with his picture on it during the march and rally.
"This is a way for me to honor him," she said. "I will do whatever it takes to fight against gang violence."
Lew Cox would have been proud. Cox, founder and executive director of Violent Crime Victim Services in Tacoma, worked with Masters in the aftermath of her son's death.
He believes that having victims' families participating in events such as these does not only aid in the healing process but also helps the community realize the importance of the issue.
"It helps connects to the community at large that there are people suffering because of gang violence," he said.
* Mai Hoang can be reached at 509-577-7685 or mhoang@yakimaherald.com.
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