LOUISVILLE, Ky. — People in Louisville take one step in front of the other for the 5th annual Father’s Day Peace Walk, honoring fathers and advocating for an end to gun violence in Louisville.

Ray Barker said he and his daughter attend the peace walk every year. But this year, the walk hits much closer to home for them. 

“My cousin was shot in the head. You know, random act of violence. We just buried him Thursday and we’re still hurting as a family, so this march means more to me,” said Barker. 

Director of Jesus movement at the King Solomon Missionary Baptist Church, Wanda Mcintyre, said she lost her grandson to gun violence this year.

She said the community is tired of the violence and something has to change. 

“Five years ago, we came to the table to say, ‘what can we do?’ We got together, put a team together and say, man up, man up, said, let’s get out and let’s walk. We are hoping to get the message across that enough is enough. We are hoping that the violence will stop,” said McIntyre. 

It was a whole day of festivities honoring fathers with food, fellowship and a walk that goes from King Solomon Missionary Baptist Church to Alberta Park. Barker said the goal of the walk is unity. 

“We have to keep on hitting on that drum and let them know that we’re not going to accept this. Unnecessary pain affects all of us. It may not have been your cousin, brother, mother, sister may not have been someone in and next to you, but you got to care. No matter what part of the community you’re in, you got to care, and you got to get involved,” said Barker.

 Barker urges others to stand up for peace and to end gun violence.

According to the Louisville Metro Police Department, they have seen a 30% decline in gun violence compared to the previous year.