A group of people joined hands and prayed together Wednesday afternoon in front of Selma City Hall to bring attention to National Murder Awareness Day and the many lives that have been lost in Selma and Dallas County due to gun violence.

“In the last five years … right here in the city of Selma, we have lost 54 people to gun violence,” the Rev. Michael Bowen said. “We’ve got to do something. We have to do something. These are our sons and daughters.”

According to Bowen, 54 people have been killed in Selma over the last five years by gun violence.

Among the group were mothers of young men and women who have been killed. Each one held a purple balloon in their hands, which were released in memory of their loved ones. Joann Hunter Walker, the mother of Alexis Hunter, who was killed in December 2013, Brenda Page, the mother of Maurice Pullom, who was killed in April 2010, and Sharon Jackson, the mother of Demius Jackson, who was killed in April 2011, all introduced themselves and shared the date when their loved one was killed.

“It means a lot to be here today to stand for all the victims,” Jackson said. “The burden is heavy, but I just stay prayerful. Every day is a different day, and I just pray and ask God for strength every day. It’s hard, but I go on in his name because I know that’s what he would want me to do.”

After Bowen finished speaking, he asked Councilman Johnny Leashore to say a few words to the families.

“It is a very solemn period any time life is lost. It brings about so much sorrow, and we just want to lift these families up who have lost loved ones, and we’re praying that God will continue to keep you shielded and keep you encouraged as you continue through life,” Leashore said.

The ceremony was put on by SCOPE (Selma Coalition Offering Peaceful Experiences) and Citizens Against Violence, which was founded by the late Barbara Brown. A moment was also taken to remember Brown, who devoted much of her time to supporting those who have lost loved ones. She had two sons killed by gun violence.

“It was Barbara that basically put all of this together, and for years we have stayed together,” said Joyce Whitely, president of SCOPE.

“It was her life mission to help others. They never did find the murderers of her two sons … but, however, she spent her time and her life trying to be there for others.”

Jackson said she encourages parents to enjoy their children and to love them.

“Embrace them and love them every day. Tell them that you love them because you just don’t ever know,” Jackson said. “The streets are ugly, and if we can save just one, that would be a whole lot and make a big difference.”