There is no denying that Philadelphia has a problem with gun violence.

According to the Philadelphia Police Department’s crime maps and stats web page, 280 murders happened in the city last year. This was up from the 248 homicides in 2014, but significantly down from 2006 when, according to Philly.com, Philadelphia experienced 406 murders.

On top of these staggering statistics, it’s a well known fact that areas of the 24th Police District in Kensington are overrun with drugs. Heroin’s ripple effect destroys neighborhoods and areas like Kensington experience high numbers of violent crime because of the cut throat drug trade.

It’s not uncommon for homicides to go unsolved. One of the biggest issues hindering investigations is the “Stop Snitching” mentality. Residents are often afraid to speak to police out of fear of retaliation. On Saturday, March 19, relatives of victims of homicide and local residents convened at the corner of C and Somerset Streets in Kensington to protest the gun violence plaguing the neighborhood.

The event was organized by “Operation Save Our City.” The group, founded by community activist Rosalind Pichardo, puts together memorials and peace marches to help the families of homicide victims.

“This can be dangerous work… not everyone’s going to like what I do,” Pichardo said. “They call me the snitch, but that’s okay. I don’t mind being called a snitch, as long as I’m getting justice for somebody.”

The group gathered at the site where Najee “Big Head” Rivera, a young father, was gunned down. According to Philly.com, Rivera was shot once in the head and died 15 days later. He was 23 years old.

Rivera was allegedly beaten by 25th District Officers Kevin Robinson and Sean Mcknight after a pursuit through North Philadelphia in 2013. According to Philly.com, the officers have been charged with assault, conspiracy and false arrest. The article states that Rivera settled with the city for $200,000 and both officers are free on bail pending their trial this April. Rivera told Philly.com that legal and medical bills took up much of the money saying, “I’m looking to start from the bottom.”

Pichardo knows the pain that homicide inflicts on a victim’s loved ones. Her brother and boyfriend were both victims of separate murders and Pichardo survived an attempt at her life when she was shot at and thrown from a 40 foot bridge. Pichardo believes she survived so that she could be a positive voice for family members and friends of homicide victims.

About 150 people left from the corner of C and Somerset on their way to McPherson Square, known to some locals as “Needle Park” for its dubious reputation as a place to use heroin. Chants of “Stop the Violence” and “No Justice, No Peace” echoed off the row homes along Clearfield Street. Residents along the way poked their heads out of doors and windows to watch the marching group that was being escorted by members of the 24th Police District.

The group ultimately assembled in a circle near the entrance to McPherson Square. Pichardo spoke about the importance of speaking up and being involved in the community. She also had family members share passionate words and pleas for help. After the powerful words, everyone was given a balloon to let go after a moment of silence. As the balloons flew away into the gray Kensington sky, there was a positive vibe in the crowd as people said heartfelt goodbyes to their lost loved ones.

One of the hardest things to handle is seeing the children left behind after a parent is murdered. Watching a baby holding a sign reading “Who killed my dad?” is about as heartbreaking as it gets. There is a chance that question may never be answered. “I’ve found that keeping the memory alive with peace walks and memorials helps the family with the healing process,” Pichardo said.