After a sharp rise in gun violence more than 300 people gathered in Wilmington yesterday for the “302 Guns Down Benefit and Concert.”
The event’s emcee Iz Belleto told the crowd that it was time for people to put down their guns.
In addition to the concert and benefit a March for Culture of Peace was also planned.
Mayor Dennis Williams said he was impressed by organizer Michaelena DeJesus and decided to co-sponsor the event waiving all of the fees and providing a grant instead.
The Wilmington News Journal reports that while the event was upbeat there were moments of sadness as some recounted the tragic deaths of loved ones killed by guns.
DeJesus told the paper that she hopes one day this event could be turned into a national day of peace.
