Evanston Community Marches Against Gun Violence

Holding signs of 19-year-old Justin Murray, who was shot and killed in November, about 200 people gathered for a Prayer March and Anti-Violence Rally in West Evanston Saturday. 

Carolyn Murray, mother of Justin Murray an Evanston teen who was shot on Nov. 29, 2012, organized the event in conjunction with Evanston youth to spread anti-violence awareness.

Participants met at Faith Temple Church at 1932 Dewey Ave., where clergy, police and local politicians joined them.

Those participating carried signs in support of their cause with phrases such as, “We want to live. #commUNITY is alive.”

Others held photos of the late Justin Murray as they participated in the prayer service given by a wide selection of Illinois clergy.

Clergy preached to encourage the Evanston community to stand together against violence, to refuse to stand by idly and to establish strong relationships with local children.

Carolyn Murray, who organized the event, advocated for change and described the physical pain of losing her son.

“Picking clothes for a casket changes someone,” she said. “Let the community know that we’re not gonna take this anymore.”

After the prayer service, community members marched through a neighborhood that has seen many incidences of gun violence, most recently a shootout that took place Tuesday, June 11. They marched from Darrow Avenue to Dodge Avenue and Church Street to end at Evanston Township Public High School’s football field, where more than 20 nonprofit organizations gathered to inform Evanston students of programs and job opportunities.

Evanston police commander James Pickett advised the Evanston community to work with the police department to “bridge the gap” between police and community.

“We’ve got to work in partnership with the community,” Pickett said. “When we have the support of the community, and they have our support, it works better.” 

Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky and aldermen Peter Braithwaite (2nd ward) and Jane Grover (7th ward) attended the rally as well.

“I think it’s important to show up,” Grover said. “You can’t claim to support an issue and stay disconnected from the people who are really engaged in it.”

Eric Jacobson, who lost his brother to gun violence in Ohio in 1955, supported the cause by holding a sign that simply read, “How many more?” 

“We have just really become addicted to guns. Violence [is] portrayed as a solution to the problem, and it’s not,” Jacobson said. “You can’t take back bullets.”