Anti-violence walks show promise, but work continues

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — Community advocates and organizations in the Linden area held their final Stop The Violence Walk of 2025 this week, but said the work is far from over.

“The walks are, I believe, extremely important," Pastor Timothy Liggins with the Bethel AME Church said.

During the warmer months, multiple groups take part in Stop The Violence Walks in Linden every other week. Community members who take part try and connect others in the area with resources which could help them. Liggins has participated in many of the walks which started several years ago.

“The community, they hear the gunshots, they hear the reports, but when they see others out here trying to make a difference, it brings them hope," he said.

The final Stop The Violence Walk of 2025 took place on Monday evening. Organizers said they still help the community in different ways through the rest of the year.

There have been 64 homicides in Columbus so far this year, according to data from the Columbus Division of Police; there were 96 through the same time last year.

"It just says that we can't ever take our foot off the pedal, off the gas pedal," Linden Community Columbus Stop the Violence founder Derrick Russell said. "We've got to keep going. But it still gives you a sense of hope that we can do it collectively."

Russell has helped organize the walks since the beginning. He said work in his neighborhood and citywide is making a difference, but more needs to be done. Liggins agreed.

“Every life is precious, and so, when we see a murder or an assault, some that is a victim, yes that lets us know we still have work to do," he said.