Vigils were held across the country to end gun violence

DETROIT, Mich. (WXYZ) - Prayer vigils were held across the country today to remember the one year anniversary of the Arizona shooting victims and take a stand against gun violence.

Six people were killed in the shooting rampage and dozens more were injured including Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, D-Ariz.

A group of teens from the Youth Initiatives Project on Detroit’s east side at a playground to remember the victims and say no to senseless shootings.

“Take a look around, there are young people playing, they are enjoying themselves. That’s what it’s all about,” said Frank McGee, the Executive Director with the Youth Initiatives Project.

He said the children feel safe enough to be at the playground before dusk because the area has been a symbol of hope in the community.  The kids in the Youth Initiatives Project redeveloped the playground in the summer.  What was once overgrown grass and a dangerous playscape that no one used has since found new meaning for the Osborn Community. 

“Just a few years ago this was a no man’s land and kids were afraid to come out here.  But now they are not and that’s why we decided to hold the vigil here,” said McGee.  “It is a big deal for them.”

Their vigil here to coincides with the national one, and they hope their message reaches the youth in the area.

“Detroit is not all negative.  There are good things happening here and we hope it reduces crime,” said Quincy Jones with the Osborn Community Group.

Ever since the playground went up, Jones said that violence in their neighborhood has gone down.  The two groups hope the word gets out to other teens and inspires them to end gun violence in their neighborhoods.