Families, faith leaders, law enforcement, youth advocates and other supporters gathered on Detroit’s eastside recently for the 18th annual Silence the Violence march and rally. The goal of the community-driven event is to end gun violence and honor victims.

Held in Detroit’s Islandview neighborhood, participants marched in memory of loved ones lost to gun violence, carrying signage and wearing t-shirts that honored victims.

The yearly event, a 1.5-mile march, was created in 2008 by Church of the Messiah Pastor Barry Randolph. What began with 50 people has grown into a citywide and now statewide and national anti-violence movement with thousands of supporters.  

Gun violence remains a crisis across the country, particularly for Black Americans. According to Everytown for Gun Safety, Black individuals are 12 times more likely to die from gun violence than white Americans, and youth ages 15–24 are most affected.

American Black Journal contributor Daijah Moss attended the 2025 march and rally. She talks with several participants who marched in remembrance of their loved ones.