Dozens of residents and local leaders gathered late Wednesday afternoon at Creative Visions for an event focused on healing, togetherness and community.
The event held on the nonprofit’s grounds coincided with the National Day of Remembrance for Homicide Victims, which takes place annually on Sept. 25, and comes as the city grapples with recent shootings that claimed three more lives.
Dennis Morris Hawkins Jr., 29, and Oscar Matthew Marquez Jr., 34, were killed in a shooting in downtown Des Moines Sept. 15. Each of their deaths were ruled a homicide, the ninth and 11th of this year, according to police. The 10th homicide was recorded the same day in a separate shooting that killed 24-year-old Rayjon Ray.
On Wednesday, Creative Visions, 1343 13th St. in Des Moines, blocked off its street to create room for its resource fair and closing festivities, a prayer vigil and balloon release. Members of Des Moines City Council presented staff with a proclamation letter, declaring Sept. 25 as “Violence Interruption Day” and Creative Visions as a “place where everyone feels valued, respected and safe.” Area vendors and partnering groups such as Mothers Against Violence (MAV) and Moms Demand Action joined the nonprofit, sharing efforts of calls to action.