After a deadly week of gun violence in Flint, volunteers are hoping to encourage a 24-hour ‘ceasefire’ starting at 7 p.m. Friday.
Flint’s homicide rate is running about 30% higher this year than last year at this point, with four shooting deaths just this week.
Pastor Jeffery Hawkins is organizing a ceasefire, with different events to get the message out. Hawkins admits those involved in the gun violence may not take part in ceasefire events. But he says Flint is a connected community.
“Because it’s all connected, we connect to those who can connect to them,” says Hawkins.
Hawkins’ family has been effected by gun violence. Two of his sons were shot and killed in separate shootings a decade ago.
In July, Flint’s mayor declared a state of emergency in response to the rise in gun violence.
