San Francisco city leaders joined community members on the front steps of City Hall on Thursday to announce a 24-hour violence ceasefire beginning Friday.
The event was promoted as a citywide, anti-gun and anti-violence effort under the theme “Silence Is Violence” and 24 hours of nonviolence.
The focus is not only on reducing shootings and other violent incidents but also on raising awareness about possible solutions.
United Playaz, a longtime violence prevention and youth outreach organization, helped organize the call for a local ceasefire along with Mayor Daniel Lurie’s office, the San Francisco Police Department and District Attorney Brooke Jenkins.
Organizers said they hope to promote peace through coordinated violence prevention programs that support safer communities.
“I believe when we come together, there’s a safer San Francisco for everyone,” Lurie said.
City officials and others are posting notices on social media that read, “Please play your part. We want kids to live. It takes the hood to save the hood.”
The 24-hour ceasefire will last all day and night Friday.