ROANOKE, Va. – There have been 12 murders in Roanoke this year, but violent crime is down a little over five percent citywide so far this year compared to last year. More than half of those happened in the northwest area of the city.
There was another effort Friday to find some way to curb the violence.
Roanoke police say there's been eight murders in northwest Roanoke this year and a Nation of Islam representative is helping the community put an end to violence.
Those who are looking for a solution to address the escalation of violence and murders went to Pilgrim Baptist Church for the answers.
At the "Increasing the Peace" event, Dr. Rev. Willie Wilson explains what he says is needed to stop any type of violence, not just in Roanoke but across the country.
"We have to start dealing with the intended causes as Dr. King said it many years ago: poverty, lack of education, the lack of opportunity that has been prevalent in this country for centuries now. Which must be addressed and until that happens you will continue to have violence," said Wilson.
Wilson is a representative of Minister Louis Farrakhan, the leader of the Nation of Islam. Wilson says he encourages and supports the work of the Roanoke Peacemakers.
The nonprofit presented Wilson with a Peacemakers shirt to show their appreciation.