Overall, Boston's South End is a pretty safe neighborhood. But a rare fatal shooting last week prompted a peace march Thursday night.
For long-time residents like Regina Pyle and Jo Ann Rothschild, their neighborhood is changing for the better.
"I think the diversity of the neighborhood is really important," said Rothschild. "I hope we can retain that."
And the turnout Thursday night in Blackstone Park brought a neighborly feel.
"Very encouraged by some of the energy of the community coming together, and I think organizing around the idea that we're part of the solution," said Pyle.
The first homicide of the year in the neighborhood led to the vigil and march.
"What's happened here in the last week or so - there's been an uptick in shootings," said Mayor Marty Walsh. "This is really the community rallying around their neighborhood."
City officials say this is a booming neighborhood.
"One homicide is too many, but believe me, this neighborhood is a safe neighborhood and very vibrant," said Boston Police Commissioner William Evans. "The neighborhood coexists pretty well."
But some here say the gentrification has come with growing pains - especially for those less fortunate.
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"I think there's a lot of opportunities that are going on, but I think some of our key resources, like some of our churches and some of our centers, are kind of disappearing, which are leaving some individuals with less things to do," said resident Jewel Cash.
Despite the rain Thursday night, there was a pretty good turnout of about 75 to 100 people.
The fatal shooting remains unsolved.
