Rally to Lament Rising Local Homicide Rates

People from all over Allegheny County are expected to gather at Heinz Field Saturday to display their displeasure at the heightened homicide rates Pittsburgh has seen in recent years. The Gathering of Peace will feature a 'peace offering' of bread and fish that will be blessed by several local denominations. Also, the names of more than 1500 homicide victims of the last 15 years will be scrolled across the Jumbotron. Police Athletic League Executive Director Jimmy Cvetic, an organizer of the event, says homicide rates among African-Americans are at an intolerable rate. "There were 120 homicides last year in our city. Of the 120, 102 were African-Americans. That's about 85% -- the highest in the United States," says Cvetic. He says he thinks a poor understanding of the law is at the root of the problem -- so, after the rally, Cvetic plans to visit local schools and explain the judicial system and criminal punishment to Pittsburgh-area young people. 'The Ebony Project' is another effort in the works to honor the murdered -- a complete symphony is to be written in memory of the homicide victims of the city. The Gathering of Peace will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 4, at Heinz Field.