Kim Morris lets out a cheer during this March on crime Saturday on Rockford's west side. Her motivation to join was simple.
"To have safer streets for our kids," Morris said.
She and about 15 other Orchid neighborhood residents took part in the event. And they urged others to step on to their cause.
"Come on join us," the marchers cheered.
Crime here has gone up and down. A noticeable decline came earlier this year when the Jane Adams Housing Complex came tumbling down.
Neighbors on the march say overall things are getting better in the neighborhood. But they say there's been a recent spike in crime this summer and that's what they're trying to get rid of.
"A lot of violence. Drug activity, drive-by shootings and it's not good," Morris said.
Morris worries about letting her own grand-kids play outside these days. And doesn't understand why the trouble makers don't realize these people want to live in peace.
"I'm sure that they have children too and probably grandchildren and they would want a safer environment too," Morris said.
All she can hope for is that they hear the group's message and their commitment to a better quality of life.
"We're hear to stay, we're not going away," the marchers cheered.
And perhaps everyone can come together and enjoy the real walks we all like to take around the neighborhood.
Leaders with the Orchid Neighborhood Association say much of the recent crime is coming from local kids joining up with gang wannabes. And renters in the area partying and making lots of noise at night that includes gun fire. As far as future crime prevention efforts, they've appointed a youth advocate who plans to go door to door and get kids involved in local youth group. There was also talk about a GED program starting at the group's community center. We often hear that lack of education leads to crime, so this could be one way to prevent it.