Cleveland clergy and community leaders held a prayer vigil on Thursday as the city mourns the death of two young children killed in two separate drive-by shootings.
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While the community came together to reflect, they also came together to call for action to end the violence.
"We have to get on the proactive side and not just be reactive when something like this happens," said Marsha Mockabee, president and CEO of the Urban League of Greater Cleveland.
Members of the community gathered at the spot where a memorial grows for 3-year-old Major Howard, who was killed in a drive-by shooting Tuesday evening.
While activists prayed, they issued an urgent plea for a broader coalition of support to take back the streets.
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"It takes a comprehensive, holistic approach to solving the problems of community violence,” said Bishop Tony Minor with Community of Faith. “We must have early intervention, we must have education, community organizing, and we must have economic development."
Cleveland Police continue to follow leads and persons of interest in the death of Major, but no charges have been filed.
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