Crowd Of 150 Gathers In Concord To Heal From Mass Shootings

CONCORD, CA — About 150 people gathered Friday evening in Concord to heal from the nation's recent mass shootings, organizers said. The vigil started at 6 p.m. and wrapped up at about 8:30 p.m. at Todos Santos Park at 2175 Willow Pass Road.

Several Latino groups were part of the event and Jewish and African American community leaders showed their solidarity with the Latino neighbors.

Besides the controversy faced by Latinos at the nation's Southern border, the El Paso, Texas, shooter was reportedly targeting Latinos.

Twenty-two people died in the attack.

"Our hearts are still grieving and broken," said Jacqueline Martinez Garcel with the Latino Community Foundation.

Yet, Friday night she said was about hope and healing and love overcoming hate.

Scripture was read, songs were sung and children read poetry, Garcel said. Many Caucasian people attended the event too.

Garcel said "todos santos" in English means "all saints" and she said she felt as if a divine presence was at the park Friday evening.

The "Respect for Humanity" vigil was also meant to help people heal from the shooting at the Gilroy Garlic Festival and from the one in Dayton, Ohio.

— Bay City News Service