Louisville activist leads walk to raise awareness of violence after 2 mothers murdered

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — A community activist is doing what he can to bring awareness to violence in the community, especially against woman and mothers.

Community leader Ray "Sir Friendly C" Barker led the Peace Begins with Me walk throughout the community Saturday afternoon.

The walk started at 10th and Chestnut streets in Louisville's Russell neighborhood and continued to Cecil and Broadway, near the Shawnee and Chickasaw neighborhoods. Barker wore shackles around his hand and legs during the entire walk.

He said the walk is in response to the recent murders of mothers in Louisville.

Redaja Williams, 24, was shot and killed at 10th and Chestnut streets around 8 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 13 as she was walking her daughter to the bus stop. Jermia Offutt, 28, was shot and killed in the 4100 block of West Broadway, near Cecil Avenue, at 9 p.m. the same day.

Barker said the chains need to be broken for the community to heal and lower crime.

"In order to move the needle in our community it has to start with me, it has to start with you," Barker said. "When we start with a personal investment, a personal responsibility that will start the needle."

Barker said it's important for the community to make an individual choice to get involved in local programs and anti-violence campaigns, no matter their age or background.

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Louisville activist leads walk to raise awareness of violence after 2 mothers murdered