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'If You See Something, Say Something': Advocates Urge Unity Following Local Violence

Ambriehl Crutchfield
/
WVXU
Keiana Rogers shows photos of her daughter Nickeisha Holloman's life.

Nickeisha Holloman's body was found on the side of the road in 2018. Her mother, Keiana Rogers, says her daughter's unsolved murder encouraged her to attend a gun violence rally Sunday in Lower Price Hill.

"It's hard to lose a child," she says. "A loss is a loss though. The bottom line is to try and prevent and try to create different programs to get our youth involved."

Since her daughter's mysterious death, Rogers has been working to connect and support young people before they turn to the streets.

Rogers remains hopeful, despite losing 23-year-old Holloman.

Various Cincinnati organizations participated in the rally to raise awareness about gun violence, including Cincinnati Works and the Ohio chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America.

Karen Rumsey is one of the rally organizers. She works for the Cincinnati Police Department to support families who have experienced gun violence. She is asking Cincinnati community members that "if they see something, say something."

Credit Ambriehl Crutchfield / WVXU
/
WVXU
The Ohio chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America show solidarity with various Cincinnati organizations.

During the event, people linked hands across the Eighth Street Viaduct to show solidarity. She says this conversation goes beyond high-crime neighborhoods.

"We're united. That's why we wanted to stretch across this bridge," she says. "Because it's not an area, it's a city."

Rumsey says the event is one of many efforts to show unity against gun violence and connect people to resources that weakens the appeal of street life.