BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — Mothers Against Gang Violence held a march on Sunday to further their initiative to bring awareness to the community.
The march began at California and T St. continuing down several blocks before stopping at Lowell Park.
Here is where they handed out hot meals and offered a safe place for anyone.
The president of the non-profit, Xenia King, says becoming an activist in the community has changed them.
"I had hoped that I can change some lives, but now I know I can change some lives," said King.
The group consists of women who have been personally affected by gang violence. The non-profit says their goal of making change is through mentorship, counseling, and support.
"We want to stop these families from breaking up," said King. "[We want] to give them hope, hopefully, these mothers will see us. We are not going to stop, they are going to keep seeing us, and only then will our voice get louder. "
The formation of the group comes during a year where homicides in Kern County are up. According to 23ABC's homicide tracker, 115 homicides have occurred in Kern County this year. That's nearly 20 more than 2019, just one shy of the record in 2018, and 16 more than in 2017.
The president of Mothers Against Gang Violence says becoming an activist in the community has changed them all.
If you would like to connect with the organization, click here.
