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Community Event Seeks Hope, Healing Nearly a Year After Mass Shooting

teenempowerment.org

Several blocks from the site of a mass shooting on Genesee Street last summer, Rochester teens are inviting the  community to embrace their neighborhood and address the root causes of violence.

More than 150 youth and other community members gathered at Wilson Foundation Academy at 200 Genesee Street on Friday afternoon.

The event was  hosted by youth organizers from Teen Empowerment. 

19-year old Raekwon Manigault, one of three people killed in last summer's shooting outside the Boys and Girls Club, was a former youth organizer with Teen Empowerment.

"I think it's still really raw. The trial was recently,” said executive director Doug Ackley. “We also just lost another young man who we knew well who was murdered at the Radisson Hotel downtown and I think that it brings up the importance to continue to bring folks together because the healing doesn't just happen once and you move on from it.”

Ackley says today's "Love the Hood" event is part of the organization's strategy to plant seeds of pride, hope and change in the neighborhood.

"I think people feel isolated. That's when the tragedies that have taken place really kind of settle in and take hold, but when we continue to come out, gather, communicate with each other, re-inspire, and speak out for what's needed; I think that's what keeps things moving."

The event included performances by youth, and other activities.