LANCASTER, Pa. — Hundreds of people gathered at Culliton Park in downtown Lancaster for an afternoon of food and games during the Peace in the Streets Block Party.
The event brought people and nonprofits together to help raise awareness about gun violence.
“We hope that it sparks inspiration and that these people can cheer us on to a better future," said Jacquie Morges, an event organizer for SoWe, a resident-led community organization based in southwest Lancaster.
The block party was thrown to honor Kendell Cook, who was killed in a shooting in 2021. His fiancé, Lindsey Martin, said the event helps bring other families together who have also lost loved ones to gun violence.
“He made a big difference and always wanted to give back, so I wanted to do the same and honor him," said Martin. “Someone has a family member who has lost their lives to gun violence, and we need to stand up for them in a positive way to make a change.”
Around 90 t-shirts bearing the names of gun violence victims were on display across Culliton Park. The shirts represent the number of people who have died in Lancaster County from shooting deaths over the past ten years.
“Each of those shirts represents millions of memories, of impact, and value," said Morges. "Seeing the t-shirts is a time to remember these beautiful people.”
Organizers hope events like this encourage the community to rally together to protect their neighbors.
"Gun violence is happening because needs are not being met," said Morges. "If we know each other and take care of each other, then I think this bigger issue can be resolved."