March held after series of deadly shootings in NC city

HENDERSON, N.C. (WNCN) – Calls for peace after four deadly shootings in Vance County led dozens of people to march Saturday while shouting “Stop killing us!”

Other chants included “Black lives matter,” but the crowd did not direct their complaints at police.

Instead, Henderson Police Chief Marcus Barrow and three other officers walked with the protesters along a mile route through neighborhoods near the Gang Free Inc. headquarters.

The police provided protection and traffic control but were also united with the demonstrators and their message.

Jameel Williams said he has never seen so much violence in a short amount of time as in mid-March.

Six people died in four separate incidents. Investigators are trying to determine if the shootings are connected and if gang activity might be involved.

“It’s a big concern, but I’m not going nowhere. I love Henderson. This is my home,” Williams said. “The young folks need to know that it’s all about love. Not shooting, gang violence, whatever it might be, and we need to get along.”

“They need to know that we do care and we do love them, and they don’t need to do this. They need to just love each other, get along with each other, and just do right by each other,” Williams added.

Umbrellas filled the streets and a downpour didn’t deter people from participating. They chanted in unison “Rain or shine, got unity on my mind.”

Another chorus was a repeated back and forth of “Thank you” and “We love you.”

Chief Barrow said he was pleased to see local leaders and friends from neighboring counties take to the streets, as officers need neighborhood support to stop and solve crimes.

“I’m proud of what’s going on. I’m always willing to be out here with civic groups and activists that want to display a message of unity,” Barrow said.

“It is a message to the community. It’s a message to city leaders, it’s a message to all. It’s time for things to stop. Community watch is working, and we have a great community.”

Henderson city council member Melissa Elliott drove the police department’s all-terrain vehicle for a few folks who were unable to march the mile-long route.

“I am totally overwhelmed and grateful to God, because this is what we need,” Elliott said.

“It’s hard (having these homicides). I’m actually with some of these moms when they lose their sons, and so it’s overwhelming, but I believe that there is hope, just looking at what’s happening today.”

She said the participants turned the dreary day into a beautiful one, which brought tears to her eyes.

Elijah and Alicia Vick brought their four young children to the march.

“We basically are telling them that we’re fighting for justice. We’re fighting for them, and they’re standing in the gap for other folks, too,” Vick said. “We’re standing in solidarity with the people of Henderson and all over the world because an injustice anywhere is injustice everywhere. We tell them we’re fighting for our future generations.”

Representatives from NAACP chapters in Warren, Franklin, and Chatham counties joined the local Vance County leadership for the march.