LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Gun violence is a huge problem in Louisville. It leaves neighborhoods destroyed and families devastated. Some local organizations are banding together to provide resources for those who need them.
"We don’t need to bring awareness to the gun violence; we know it’s an epidemic," said Rose Smith.
Smith, the founder of the ACE Project in Louisville, lost her son to gun violence in 2014. This weekend, she will join several other local groups for the Wear Orange Community Peace Walk to push for peace.
"It’s not one organization that can do it. Just like they said, it takes a village. This is going to take a village of organizations," she said.
Groups like the ACE Project work to provide financial, emotional and mental support to those affected by gun violence.
Last year was Louisville's deadliest year on record and shootings this year are up by about 90% compared to 2020.
"It’s too much," Smith said. "We’ve had too much, enough is enough."
RELATED: How can Louisville combat increasing gun violence? Experts, community advocates detail approaches
While she is frustrated with the violence, Smith said she is still hopeful for the future.
"Am I hopeful? For some reason I am. I don’t know...I just am. But we have to do things different," she said.
Smith wants this walk to be a step in the right direction.
The Wear Orange Community Peace Walk will be held from noon until 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 5 near Greenwood Ave. and 41st Street. Everyone is asked to wear orange, which symbolizes gun violence awareness.
Outside of the walk, there will be entertainment and art activities at the event. Charles Booker will also be there to speak.
Other groups involved in the walk include Mothers of Murdered Sons and Daughters, Moms Demand Action, Everytown for Gun Safety, All In Together and No More Red Dots.
If you want to share What’s Right in your neighborhood, send Kristin Pierce a message on Facebook or Twitter.
MORE WHAT'S RIGHT
Make it easy to keep up-to-date with more stories like this. Download the WHAS11 News app now. For Apple or Android users.
Have a news tip? Email assign@whas11.com, visit our Facebook page or Twitter feed.