Walk For Peace

This year, the many key stakeholders involved in the Coalition planned and applied for the City of Boston's Love Your Block Grant to revitalize an area in the community in need of love and rebirth. When researching locations in the community it was decided that an unkempt Mt Vernon Street Plaza, which is dedicated to the life of late Robert McGrath, a beloved Charlestown resident who was tragically killed 30 years ago, was the perfect place. The idea was to brighten a dark and dreary section of the community with color and love and create a space where residents could go to reflect, grieve, and celebrate the lives of those no longer with us in this tight-knit community.

On Tuesday, June 26th, we are planning to hold an unveiling ceremony followed by a community-wide Walk for Peace and inspirational dinner.

The event will begin at 4:30pm at the Mt. Vernon Street Plaza where there will be a blessing of the park, a few brief statements by residents and organizations involved in the revitalization as well as a few short words from the niece of Robert McGrath. During the event, residents will then be given the opportunity to decorate memorial rocks to add to the park in honor of their loved ones. 

After the ceremony, we will walk as a group throughout the community giving residents the opportunity to place flowers at locations where people have passed on due to overdose and violence.

The walk will end at the Knights of Columbus in Charlestown and all are welcome to join for dinner, music, and a short speaking event from 6:00pm-8:00pm. We are grateful to have Rev. Rodney E. Dailey, a Boston native, as our keynote speaker. Rev. Dailey was responsible for Boston's first March against Gang Violence and will speak to the audience in an effort to unite and inspire us all, enhancing our community resilience.