It was a welcome start to Mother's Day with the return of the annual Mother's Day Walk for Peace in-person after two years.
Hundreds of people participated in the The 26th Annual Mother's Day walk for peace.
“I’m walking in memory of my nephew, Gerard Anthony Rogers -- he was gunned down at the age of 15 almost 20 years ago," said Krishaunna Baptiste, a Dorchester resident who was at the walk.
Many like Baptiste were seen holding photos, and sharing memories during the walk.
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The walk is a tradition, celebrating the potential to create more peaceful communities. It was initially started to honor mothers of murdered children. It’s a fundraising event by the Louis D. Brown Peace institute supporting their advocacy efforts.
“When death kicks people's door down it’s like all resources shut down, and that’s where we come in,” said Chaplain Clementina Chery, CEO and president of the Louis D. Brown Peace Institute.
Money raised helps provides services like help with funeral costs, utility bills and housing assistance. So far they’ve raised more than $408,000.
Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley was present at the event and was walking with her mother’s photo.
“This is my mother and I, my very first organizing and protest march when I was 3 months old, and then her final act of activism was to be part of this Mother’s Day peace walk. Anyway, I just wanted to bring my mother into this space today as well,” said Pressley.
Mayor Michelle Wu also took part.
"Some of the moms here have experienced the unspeakable, and their determination, resilience and love for community continues to make a difference," she said.
The event started at 8 a.m. Sunday at Town Field Park in Dorchester. The walk was more than seven miles long.
