Sunday, dads and others gathered in unity for the Father's Day Peace Walk in Boston.
Boston Police Commissioner William Evans condemned violence in the community. The commissioner was already scheduled to attend the walk just hours after three shootings occurred in Boston, leaving one man dead -- the 16th homicide in the city this year.
"That's the stuff that keeps us all awake every night," Evans said. "It ruins my day when I get the call, like I did last night, when we lose a young kid to senseless violence."
At the 2-mile march, organized by city leaders, Evans and others spent the morning encouraging parents to change the violent narrative that has plagued Boston and surrounding cities.
"A lot of bad things are going on, so this is kind of shedding a little light on some bad situations," said Gregory Jameau, who brought his son to the event.
"This walk, for instance, matters," Jameau said, "I wanted my son to be a part of it, to actually see some positive images of people, people of color."
Helping host the event, in its second year, necn anchor Latoyia Edwards addressed the fathers in the crowd.
Massachusetts
The latest news from around the state
"I grew up in Dorchester," Edwards said. "You role models really make this community what it is."
A second walk was also held in Dorchester to encourage peace on Sunday. Many hope that with increased focus on the violence, they can potentially put an end to it.
"The power of us is what will make sure our city changes for the better," said Conan Harris of Mayor Marty Walsh's office.
