Community members march to end violence

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Drugs, gangs, and violence take the lives of innocent people each year, and Wilmington residents are fed up.

Members of the community marched through some of the local housing projects this weekend to raise awareness about gun violence, and to expose their frustration. They say violence should not represent their communities.

“We are not allowing them to take our streets anymore,” said “Peace for the Port” president Melissa Pinkoski. “We want our streets back.”

Organizers say that many individuals participating in acts of violence are confused.

“They think they are getting love, from somebody else other than where they need it from,” said Monique Simpson. “People gravitate to that.”

They need an outlet…and they can find one through “Peace for the Port,” a non-profit organization that wants to put an end to violence. Members say it is impossible to stop all violence, but there is no shame in trying.

“The people that are doing this, they should be the ones that feel odd or feel strange,” said “Peace for the Port” Vice President Kevin Kong.

Christopher James marched through Wilmington while holding a picture of his father, Gilbert McClammy. McClammy was murdered near his home off of Carolina Beach road in April.

“I guess because they were under the influence of alcohol and drugs, they didn’t have any use for a weapon and felt the need to use it on him,” said James.

James says he misses his father, one of many victims of gun violence in the Port City.

“I just hope Wilmington as a community can get it together.”