Residents to Hold March Against Gang Violence
- Share via
Carrying candles and singing holiday songs, Boyle Heights residents will march through the streets Wednesday evening in a plea for peace in the community.
The Peace Posada, which emulates the Mexican Christmas tradition of reenacting the pilgrimage of Joseph and Mary, will take residents on a walk through streets that have been plagued by gang violence.
After meeting at 1st and Chicago streets at 6 p.m., the marchers will circle the neighborhood and hang homemade banners with peace messages at different locations.
The march, which organizers hope to expand next year, was the brainchild of a community improvement group.
“It’s a message to the young people: We’re your family, we’re your neighbors and we don’t want the violence,” said Elsa Casillas, a community organizer with the East Los Angeles Community Corp. “It’s a way for people to accept peace in their homes.”
After the posada, participants will return to 1st and Chicago, where children will get candy and pan dulce, or sweet bread.
Sign up for Essential California
The most important California stories and recommendations in your inbox every morning.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
