Alton Park prayer walkers call for peace in Chattanooga

photo Pastors from local churches in Alton Park lead the way during a prayer walk on 38th Street through Alton Park in Chattanooga on Wednesday.

The Rev. Alfred Johnson marched down Alton Park Boulevard on Wednesday belting the spiritual "I Want Jesus to Walk with Me," and nearly 50 other people from at least four different church congregations walked, sang and clapped with him.

The group included police officers, firefighters, Alton Park residents and parishioners who shared a goal -- creating peace in Alton Park.

"Jesus can stop these bullets. We believe that Jesus loves us," said Johnson, pastor of Church of the First Born.

They marched from New Beginning Church to the corner of 38th Street and Alton Park Boulevard. There the Rev. Kevin Smith, pastor of New City Fellowship, prayed that people in Alton Park and all over Chattanooga would put down their guns and weapon for the good of the entire community.

"We're not animals," Smith said while praying. "We were created in your image."

Violence has plagued the area, but churches have come together to say "we are with you," Smith said. "This is a show of unity, but we're also calling on divine help to bless this community."

At least three fatal shootings have occurred in Alton Park this year.

Twenty-three-year-old Charles Jones was shot and killed at 100 W. 41st St. on Feb. 1. In March, Warren T. Ransom was fatally shot in the head at 1123 Hooker Road, and in June Frances Smith was shot to death at 5138 Woodland View Circle.

An 18-year old man survived being shot at 200 W. 38th St. just two weeks ago.

Chattanooga Police Department Lt. Tammy Cook encouraged onlookers to take a walk in the sunshine as she passed them on the street.

"Having 'us versus them' does not work," she said of law enforcement relations with the community. "If we're going to stop shootings we need to encourage everyone to get on the same page."

At the end of the march New Beginning Church pastor, the Rev. George Clay, invited the group into his church to share ideas for community improvement.

Fifteen-year-old DeVonnte Turner was among the first to raise his hand.

"Do you have something for young people?" he asked.

Group members then talked about the need for youth activities.

The Wednesday march was the first of several a handful of ministers plan to hold throughout the city, Johnson said.

He is planning the next march in October for the M.L. King Boulevard community.

Contact staff writer Yolanda Putman at yputman@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6431.

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