Baton Rouge, La. — June 8, 2022 — Far too many families in our community have suffered loss and have been forever torn apart by violence. When the people of Baton Rouge mourn the loss of a loved one due to gun violence, so do I.

We will not accept violence as a way of life in this city. This is why a core tenet of my administration’s Summer of Hope Initiative is applying an emergency response and recovery with active boots on the ground in those communities most impacted by gun violence. We are doubling down on our commitment to reclaim hope in those neighborhoods that suffer from historic disinvestment. We are engaging in proactive strategies to reduce violence. 

Law enforcement is working to protect and serve, while dozens of community organizations and violence interrupters are simultaneously working with residents to bring peace and change.

From the Christian faith, God spoke to the prophet Jeremiah and said, “Pray to the LORD for the city you are living in, because if there is peace in that city, you will have peace also.” (29:7 ERV)

It is time to hold strong to the values we KNOW in Baton Rouge and make it a Safe, Hopeful, Healthy place to live and thrive. 

If you or your loved ones would like to join our stance for hope in Baton Rouge, we invite you to attend our events:  

• Pedal for Peace, Shopper's Value, 5355 Government St., 6-7:30 p.m. Friday, June 10: Join Mayor Pro Tempore LaMont Cole and Shoppers Value Foods for the 5th Annual Pedal for Peace. Bikers will ride from the Shopper's Value parking lot on Government Street to Howell Park, rest, and return.
• Heal the Block, Leo S. Butler Community Center, 950 E Washington St., noon-3 p.m. Saturday, June 11: Every Saturday in June/July, the Baton Rouge Community Street Team is bringing hope, lunches/dinners, conversation, and community resources directly to streets, neighborhoods, and families that have experienced violence. Mental-health providers, community navigators, and community interventionists will be on site to support residents.
• Kidz Fest, Scotlandville Parkway at Bradley Road and Veterans Drive, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, June 11: This event will celebrate, educate, and inspire youth in our community. From inflatables and health screenings, to local talent and kickball, this event offers something for the entire family. Looking to get an early start? Join the 1K walk and 2K run at 8:30 a.m. In light of this year’s theme “Kids & Entrepreneurship,” youth vendors ages 18 and under are encouraged to showcase their businesses by signing up here.

The community is also invited to join our monthly community-based violence work group meetings on third Wednesdays at the downtown library branch at 5 p.m.

For more information and weekly updates, please visit summerofhopebr.com or email shhbr@brla.gov.