Baltimore Vigil: Community Mourns 2017 Losses, Prays For 2018

BALTIMORE, MD — Adults and children sang, grieved and prayed together at War Memorial Plaza on Thursday night at a prayer vigil convened by the mayor for those who have lost loved ones to violence. Mayor Catherine Pugh was among those who stood when Pastor Jamal Bryant asked all who lost someone to violence in Baltimore this year to stand.

"We will change the future of Baltimore," Pugh said. "...this will become the safest city in America." She was brief in her remarks, stating simply that she would rather be "less on words and long on prayer."

There have been 343 homicides this year in Baltimore, markedly higher than the 318 homicides last year, 344 homicides in 2015 and 211 homicides in 2014, based on FBI data.

Baltimore's Singing Sensations Youth Choir delivered songs of hope such as "Let There Be Peace on Earth," as did Davon Fleming, a finalist on NBC's "The Voice" and native of Park Heights.

Spiritual leaders also helped shape the tone of the interfaith vigil and its calls for change.

"Tonight our hearts are broken. We are a hurting people because of the violence that covers our beautiful city. We also hurt because many of our brothers and sisters are in so much pain at this very moment. They have lost a loved one, and nothing we can say or do will ease their pain," Bishop Angel Núñez said, delivering his remarks in both Spanish and English.

After addressing those grieving, Núñez continued: "But Lord, we also come to repent tonight. As citizens of the city, we repent for being silent. We repent for not getting involved, we repent for not doing nothing because we know that no political leader, no person, no police commissioner can change the course of a city. Only you, oh God [applause], can change Baltimore. Therefore, tonight, we commit and declare that from this day on, when we see something, we will do something. We will say something. We’re not going to go around saying it’s somebody else’s problem...We will love people unconditionally. We will release your peace into the broken hearts because in this city every life matters."

Bishop William E. Lori prayed for those who were mired in drugs, gangs and poverty and for help navigating the systemic social issues that challenge the city.

"Forgive our indifference for these real human tragedies," Lori said, praying for understanding "to bring about a transformation in our midst so that Baltimore will be a place where every life is cherished, where families are sustained and loved....Unite us in renewed resolve to create a city that is just, peaceful and prosperous for all."

Pastor Bryant had a specific request. "Send not just grace and angels, send jobs, send education..." Bryant said. "For the nameless and faceless...who have lost fathers, who have lost mothers...wipe away their tears, give them peace that passes all understanding...the worst is behind. The best is yet to come."

What is your hope for making Baltimore a better city? Tell us in the comments!

After the vigil, Pugh issued the following statement: "I’m encouraged and believe many of the families in attendance are encouraged as well. I am looking forward to a continuing efforts to make Baltimore safer for all residents in 2018."

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Still photos from Baltimore City Mayor Pugh's Facebook Live video and Facebook. The city had signs with words on each one such as "transcend" and "inspire."

Murder data provided by the FBI Universal Crime Reporting.