Community marches to stop violence

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - Several people, including Mobile City Councilwoman Gina Gregory, marched in the rain to speak out against violence in Mobile.

They began the Stop the Violence March at Racine Avenue in memory of Wendy Fisher.   The trek culminated with a prayer vigil at Langan Park.

Cassandra Rodgers remembers a smile, the ear to ear grin of her son, Darius Longmire, who was murdered in January 2011.

The 26-year-old was shot and killed on a playground in the Birdville community.

"He was a fun, kind-hearted person," Rodgers said.  "I miss the little things. He'd call me sometimes and say 'What are you doing?' I don't get that anymore. 'Happy father's day.' I don't get to say that anymore. 'Happy birthday,' just the little things I miss. Just looking at him, seeing his face, something I can't do now."

But roughly 18 months later, Rodgers isn't sulking. Instead, she's joined the likes of many others, including City Councilwoman Gregory, in honoring the memory of Wendy Fisher, who was shot and killed on Racine Avenue earlier this month.

"We're not going to tolerate this gun violence out here in the community," Rodgers said.

It was with that message in mind, Rodgers and company hit the streets with People United to Advance the Dream. The group hosted the Stop the Violence March from Racine Avenue where Fisher was killed to Langan Park. 

Though no amount of protest will give Rodgers her son back, she takes solace in making a difference in the future, a goal that will not be stopped, no matter what Mother Nature has in store.

Gregory told us that everyone in the Racine Avenue subdivision is invited to attend a community action group Tuesday evening to help prevent another senseless death. Gregory said adding stop signs or speed bumps to the community can be discussed.