Families had a chance Tuesday night to remember relatives and friends who have been victims of violence in the 12th annual Tree of Life event at True Bethel Baptist Church.
Though sponsors wish the need for the event would go away, they see some progress, with fewer victims and greater public willingness to do something about the deaths.
Willie Green says he joined anti-violence efforts because of the murder toll in his own family.
"Seventeen people in two years, period. I had to get out here. I felt like I was stuck in a revolving door, coming to the churches," Green said.
"Then, I started seeing these guys with the yellow and black on, they were Peacemakers and the Stop the Violence Coalition. I said, you know what, in order to change things, I got to be a part of it."
Stop the Violence Coalition Executive Director Murray Holman says there has been some progress.
"You have gang members coming forward, citizens in the community. Even on the corners at Delavan and Grider, a man pulled over and told us about a young man stuffing a gun on the side of his house. He called law enforcement and got some red tape and he said nevermind and ran to the corner and told us," Holman said.
Some of those at the event said they were there to support those who lost people to violence and build support in case they do lose someone.