A 17-year-old girl led a plea for change as hundreds marched through the streets of Cleveland.
Naudia Loftis organized the Value Our Lives Rally that took place on Wednesday.
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Participants met her at St. Martin de Porres High School on Lausche Avenue in Cleveland.
Loftis said decided to host the rally because she wants to stop violence overtaking the city.
The date, Sept 30, was significant because it would have been her cousin's birthday.
Instead, Reginald Fain was shot and killed in 2009.
"Me as a 17 year old, I could be next, or even my brothers and sisters, they could be next,” said Loftis. "Everything that happens affects all of us; good or bad. If it's bad it definitely affects all of us."
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A diverse crowd followed Loftis as they chanted and marched.
"It starts with a small group. We want the groups to increase,” said Denise Clay. "I’m proud, I’m really proud that a young person could organize this."
"This is just the beginning; there's a lot more to come,” said Loftis’ mother, Natalie Avery. "Since she was a little girl, I always knew she was a leader."
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