Glimmer of hope

Peace Camp Remains Resolute Despite Nearby Homicide

RICHMOND, Calif. (KCBS) -- Activists living in a tent city in Richmond as part of an anti-violence vigil will not abandon their site after an early morning homicide occurred across the street Friday.

Travante James, 20, was found dead in his car with multiple gunshot wounds around 4:30 a.m. in the 400 block of South 41st Street. The activists say their resolve has not faltered and they will continue their campaign until the city’s homicide rate is zero.

"We will not be deterred. Our resolve is strong, we're going to stay the course because our theme is we want our children to live," Reverend Andre Shoemake told KCBS’ George Harris.

"You have seen a community, coming together saying enough is enough, we're tired of this madness and we want our children to live."

The peace camp near John F. Kennedy Park is one of four in the city. Michael Ali, a local activist is also a member of the camp, his niece a homicide victim in 2005.

"We're spiritual warriors and this place is holy ground,” Ali said. "As opposed to being angry I come here to honor the families, I come here to honor the youth and the young people who have tragically died for nothing."

Shoemake is certain the camps are having a positive impact on the community. "When men and women of good will come together, the impossible becomes possible. We are going to reach zero homicides in the city of Richmond."

He added that it’s time disadvantaged communities call for change. "We've always gone along with the notion that the things that are happening within African American communities, low income communities of color is just the way it is. I submit to you that it's not the way that it is, it's the way we've allowed it to be."