Hundreds come together to stand against violence

The aim was to form a peace sign with hundreds of Racinians holding candles against the cold and the mindless violence that has gripped Racine. And although it would have taken a helicopter to truly appreciate the visual that resulted, they succeeded -- old and young, white and black, men and women, even a couple of County Board members -- coming together in a defunct fast-food restaurant's parking lot.

For an hour or so, they made the point that all can work toward a common objective, peacefully. A simple message perhaps, but important to the high school students who organized the event, and to the kids and adults who helped realize it.

Just a block away, as if to re-emphasize the need, four police cars, lights flashing, had a young woman in handcuffs for 15 minutes as they searched her car -- fruitlessly, it appeared -- and then released her without incident.



More pictures after the break.

Organizers Brienna Elam and Jamel Garrett

Journal Sentinel covers the event HERE.
Our earlier story is HERE.