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Detroit Funeral Directors Plan to Protest Violence with Hearses
They say 19 murders in 17 days is too much
Updated: Wednesday, 18 Jan 2012, 6:20 AM EST
Published : Tuesday, 17 Jan 2012, 11:34 PM EST
DETROIT (WJBK) - A motorcade led by 20 hearses will wind through parts of Detroit as part of an effort calling for an end to violence in the city.
The slow-moving "Thou Shall Not Kill" motorcade will travel Sunday afternoon from downtown into several crime-ridden neighborhoods before ending at Fellowship Chapel where a rally is scheduled, according to the United Communities of America.
Magnetic signs displaying "Thou shall not kill" will be posted on each hearse. At least 16 funeral homes are participating in the event, which takes place on the citywide day of Peace and Healing.
"The city is hurting and we need to show with this motorcade that we care," United Communities of America spokesman Thamar Johnson said.
There were 344 homicides in Detroit last year, compared with 308 in 2010.
"We want this to stop. We want to have a powerful, visual sign that the killing is taking place and it's real," Johnson said. "It's something we can't deny. We need to change the consciousness of the youth and the next generation in our city. We believe some healing will take place."
Elected, auto union and community leaders, as well as families impacted by crime in Detroit are expected to take part in the motorcade.
The United Communities of America is an organization that focuses on reducing crime through community programs.
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