Ceasefire march in North Preston follows Tylor McInnis' death
More than 100 people attended the event in North Preston Sunday
CeaseFireHalifaxheld a barbecueandmarch on Sundayin North Preston, N.S. to remember TylorMcInnis, a 26-year-oldman from Halifax who was killedlast week.
"From what I've heard, everybody is extremely up in arms because everybody is trying to understand why another life is gone," said Carlos Beals, an outreach worker with the not-for-profit community group that tries reduce gun violence by working directly with young people.
McInnis was found dead in the trunk of a stolencar in a North Prestoncemetery Tuesday. His death follows four other unsolved homicides that happened in the Halifax area this spring.
'Tears at your heartstrings'
This little light of mine, more to come. @CBCNS pic.twitter.com/9JWwimmESc
—@SteveBerryCBC
More than 100people attended the barbeque. Theymarchedto the cemetery andhadamoment of silence for McInnis. His family said he was a good manwho was turning his life around.
Shauna Crawley-Jordan, anattendeewho is also the registered nurse at the community's health and wellness centre, said tragedies like McInnis' deathhitclose to home.
"It's stunning, it's shocking and it tears at your heartstrings," said Crawley-Jordan.
"To have an event like this is wonderful because it shows family, community and happiness, peace and love. That's what it's all about. It's not about the negative stigma because there is so much more than that here. There are thriving families," she said.
Preventing future violence
Beals hopes the event willinspirethe community totake action to prevent violence.
"Whether that be talking to an at-risk youth, talking to someone you know who may be engaged in violence, maybe attending an event, maybe sharing a Facebook post that shows that violence is not the way. I want residents to take action ... we all play a vital role in reducing the violence in this city."
Songs and prayers for those taken by violence. #ceasefire @cbcns pic.twitter.com/8vBbeEjtCM
—@SteveBerryCBC
With files from Steve Berry, Stephanie Blanchet and Amy Smith