Rally against violence planned for city's south side on Thursday

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- In response to a citywide string of violence that has included south side neighborhoods, Milwaukee Alderman José G. Pérez will take part in a rally and march to “Take Back Our Neighborhoods” on Thursday, August 29 at noon.

Residents are invited to gather in front of the Holy Name of Jesus Parish, 2364 S. 11th St., and join the Rev. Henry J. Galas in prayer.

Then, Alderman Pérez and leaders from the Milwaukee Police Department, Milwaukee Fire Department and Milwaukee Public Schools will speak out against the recent violence, urging the community to come together, watch out for one another and overcome the spike in crime.

Finally, following a release of balloons to represent the number of lives lost to violent crime, rally attendees will walk the neighborhood to raise awareness and demonstrate their commitment to ending the bloodshed.

The route will include stops at the recent homicide scenes at S. 9th St. and W. Hayes Ave. and S. 13th St. and W. Cleveland Ave.