As the city peaked with the highest death toll in two decades, 2023 forced D.C. leaders and residents to come together and take action. With over 274 homicides, gun violence continuously plagued the District, particularly affecting numerous households in Southeast.
Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) Chief of Police Pamela A. Smith is working to unite and lead the city out of its pain and into purpose, but not without the community鈥檚 help.
鈥淲e need you to stand up, we need you to be strong, we need you to open up your church doors, we need you to be a breath of fresh air for our young people,鈥 Smith, the first Black woman to hold her position, said after officially being appointed last year.
District Commanders have followed her charge by encouraging more engagement with those they serve through community faith walks in partnership with local churches. , and have all hosted events over the past three months to bridge a growing gap between officers and neighborhood teens.
The most recent walk on April 17 made a direct impact in the Shaw-Howard neighborhood after Smith, MPD鈥檚 and Pastor Kevin Hart of Christian Tabernacle Church, which has a location on 11th Street NW, teamed up to stroll the streets.
鈥淭his community faith walk took us through the Historical U Street neighborhood, where we prayed, sang hymns and reflected on our faith, public safety and community efficacy,鈥 said Boteler who heads MPD鈥檚 Third District. 鈥淚t was so great to see so many of our various places of worship who joined us in support of a greater cause. We are stronger together.鈥
His message was echoed by local leaders who showed up in hopes of making a difference.
Many believe these walks will spark more empathy and compassion between all parties.
鈥淩ebuilding the core community resilience in the foundation of faith and responsibility while obtaining critical resources is a mandatory goal,鈥 said Karen Gaal, chairwoman of the Third District鈥檚 . 鈥淎llowing the community to see and get to know MPD and to have MPD get to know the community is critical during this social climate. The walks and hopefully real connections should be a big benefit for the social betterment of the District of Columbia.鈥
Since the walks started, crime has gone down. There have been fewer homicides compared to this time last year and a decrease in assaults with a dangerous weapon.聽聽
鈥淸This faith walk] promotes joining together with our neighbors and making some noise for peace,鈥 said resident Gabriella Savelli. 鈥淥ne Wednesday a month, a different church or temple in the area invites everyone from the community to walk together while escorted by police.鈥
The faith walks are organized by community officer Randy Rogers and pastors in the area, and welcomes all residents.
The most recent faith walk included Bishop George Holmes Jr., who alongside other participants, stopped to meet with Ben鈥檚 Chili Bowl co-founder Virginia Ali, affectionately called the 鈥渕other of D.C.,鈥 during the community stroll.
Ali, alongside her husband Ben, met with notable civil rights leaders like the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X. The two used the restaurant to create fellowship and plan events. Since its inception more than 65 years ago, celebrities, sports stars and even former president Barack Obama have been spotted grabbing a meal at Ben鈥檚 staple location on U Street.
Stopping at Ben鈥檚 Chili Bowl as part of the faith walk was critical in furthering the mission of connecting with local community leaders to develop plans and engage with residents to promote positive change.
鈥淲hen citizens of our nation’s capital come together as one voice, united for the well-being of all people, remarkable things happen. Our recent community walk鈥 demonstrated the power of unity, with diverse participants from across the city,鈥 said Holmes, who serves chairman of the Religious Caucus of the DC Democratic Party.
Holmes told The Informer that the faith walk was a strong way for the community to come together and encourage peace and love through building connections.
鈥淭he true love and appreciation we have for one another was palpable as we walked through our neighborhoods and shared food, fun, and fellowship with our fellow brothers and sisters,鈥 Holmes said.