Advocates in Richmond rally for positive change after deadly shootings

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- In the wake of several death investigations from Caroline County to Shockoe Bottom, a group of Richmonders on Saturday want to influence positive change, especially for the kids growing up in the area.

Saturday was the second of many Peace in the City walks, which was held in Gilpin Court and aimed to spark change after two people were shot in Shockoe.

Advocates from several organizations met at Greater Mt. Moriah Baptist Church to change the narrative in parts of Richmond that are prone to gun violence. The "walk" in Gilpin Court is a metaphor, and not a physical "walk." The advocates explained that it is a step to change.

Pertelle Gilmore Solutions and Publications had advocates illustrate to Richmond's kids that gun violence issues do not have to be the "norm." Some of the advocates themselves have been perpetrators or victims of violence, and they want to be part of the solution.

Lorenzo Louderback speaks with Richmond's youth. (Photo: Ben Walls/8News)

"If you see something wrong to somebody else, speak up for them. Be their voice," Sherita Johnson said from Pertelle Gilmore Solutions and Publications to a group of Richmond kids.

Lorenzo Louderback has been involved in violence and was a victim. He arrived in Richmond from Lynchburg to show kids his gunshot wound and tell them they can also be a part of a non-violent solution.

Inspiring Richmond kids to stay out of trouble, Lorenzo Louderback shows 8News his gunshot wound. (Photo: Ben Walls/8News

"I've been through prison, gunshot wounds, killing people, robbing people, everything, selling drugs. All of that. But, I'm here to stay. I'm here to tell kids, 'There's a better way.' They don't have to go 'right.' They can go 'left,'" Louderback told 8News.

He channels positive change now through Giving Back 2 The Community.

"You put those two units together — sympathy and empathy — that's what gives us the power to come out here, to have some kind of peace, or some semblance of peace," Pertelle Gilmore said.

Organizer Pertelle Gilmore greets a Richmond girl. (Photo: Ben Walls/8News)

Showing peace, Lawrence Robinson from Fathers Advocating Community Teamwork Solutions (F.A.C.T.S.) outlined the steps to change while being part of his organization for fathers who lost children to violence.

"[The steps are] atonement, accountability and reconciliation. We believe if we take those steps, that'll be a great step toward peace: owning up to our part of the problem and taking charge in the solution and to mend some of the differences that we may have caused through our bad actions," Robinson said.

Lawrence Robinson from Fathers Advocating Community Teamwork Solutions high-fives a Richmond boy. (Photo: Ben Walls/8News)

The group said Saturday is not the last day of their hard work.

"We make these spaces open up by young people where they are safe spaces where it's not always costing a lot of money for them to get into the safe spaces," said Shauntah Powell from Divine Inspiration Family Network.