DETROIT – Community violence intervention (CVI) groups across the city of Detroit are trying a different approach to tackling a recent rise in youth violence: a citywide, two-day caravan inviting residents to choose peace over violence.
After a summer that saw an uptick in shootings involving young people, a coalition of Detroit CVI organizations is announcing a new public push aimed at prevention and community support.
“We’re sad when you see a young child, like Samir, gunned down at a park while they were out having fun. It’s unacceptable,” said Darrell Ewing of Beat Da Odds, reflecting the urgency behind the coalition’s effort.
Representatives from several local CVI groups are part of the collective, including Force Detroit, Beat The Odds, Detroit Friends and Family, L.I.P. Movement, New Era Detroit, The People’s Action, Team Pursuit, and Detroit 300.
These organizations are boots-on-the-ground specialists who focus on violence prevention within defined neighborhoods across Detroit.
“We’ve got to show a demonstration of love and unity…and get as many people involved as possible,” said Quincy Smith of Team Pursuit. Negus Vu of The People’s Action added, “We’re out here to reach those kids who nobody wants to deal with. The ones that they turn their heads to. We’re here to offer them help.”
Organizers say this weekend’s caravan is a citywide call to action — a demonstration of peace and community that goes beyond a traditional march, which they believe may not resonate with the young people they want to reach.
Instead, the caravan will be mobile and include elements designed to engage a broad cross-section of Detroiters.
Highlights include:
- A two-day caravan with stops across the city
- Participation from car clubs and bike clubs
- On-site resources and services for residents.
- Opportunities for residents of all ages to connect with CVI specialists and local supports
Organizers urge everyone to participate.
“Everybody! Momma, pops, grandmas. We encourage everybody from all different backgrounds to come out, including suburbs. Because what happens here it affects all around Metro Detroit,” said Negas Vu.
CVI groups emphasize that reducing violence requires more than enforcement; it needs community involvement, prevention strategies, and services targeted to the city’s most vulnerable young people.
“We want folks to get involved and spread this message of love and unity. And it can’t just be CVI. It’s got to be the entire city,” Smith said.
The Caravan will take place at the following locations:
- Saturday, Aug. 30 — Caravan starts at 1 p.m. at Carstens School, 13000 Essex Avenue, Detroit, MI 48215.
- Sunday, Aug. 31 — The caravan will gather on the West Side at Stein Playground, 18899 W. Chicago, Detroit, MI 48228.
If you plan to attend the caravan or would like to learn more about participating or volunteering, organizers encourage you to arrive at the listed start locations.
The event is framed as an inclusive effort to demonstrate that residents, working alongside CVI specialists, can advocate for peace and support young people at risk.