Stopping the violence that cripples some Portsmouth neighborhoods is something too big for one person, or even one group, to try and tackle.
But these peace marchers want to be on the frontline of the fight.
Ellen Tomiye organized the march--her dreams are simple.
"I've been here 46 years and I'm tired of it," Tomiye said. "I want to see my grandbabies grow up and have a future and I don't want to help their mom plan their funeral."
They say they all know it's a problem.
The chorus of calls for help won't directly stop a bullet from being fired, but inspiring people and getting the conversation started is the immediate goal they are trying to reach.
"It's hard to go out and talk to people these days like you used to in the old days," Tomiye said.
"The march is good. That's a good start and noble thing, but it's going to take a little bit more with people getting involved with these younger children nowadays," said James Gatling of Portsmouth.
This is just the first step, and even after taking thousands in their call for peace, they know they have countless steps ahead of them before the violence is stopped.
