ROC the Peace, Inc. will join thousands of communities across the country to pay tribute to victims of homicide-- commemorating National Day of Remembrance for Murdered Victims by hosting a free community event.
The event will include guest speakers, entertainment and a live instrumental band. Several community organizations from Buffalo and Syracuse will commute to Rochester to help commemorate the day. Families of victims of violence are encouraged to bring memorabilia of victims to help describe the real-life impact of death by homicide. Coordinators are expecting local politicians, members of clergy and other community leaders to participate.
Sirena Cotton is founder of Roc the Peace, Inc. and started the violence prevention organization here in Rochester nine years ago to help address gun violence after her son, Christopher Jones was murdered in front of her in 2007 on the corner of Pierpont and Lexington Ave.
Approaching its tenth year, Cotton coordinates the well-attended Roc the Peace Festival in conjunction with Rise Up Rochester, a nonprofit providing support to crime victims and their families. The annual peace fest typically features guest speakers with motivational messages, entertainment, food and free resources promoting peace, health and wellness.
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