Columbus Community leaders who called for and campaigned for violence ceasefire in June 2021 have called for a statewide violence ceasefire the weekend of Saturday, September 11, 2021.

“Because of the success of our local ceasefire and the mission to reduce gun violence all across the great State of Ohio, we invite you to join us in promoting a ceasefire the weekend of Saturday, September 11, 2021,” said community leaders Sean Ruffin and Al Edmonson in a statement on behalf of the city’s community leaders.

“We called for a ceasefire in June in the City of Columbus, and by all measures, it was a success.”

The leaders said that “this problem will take all hands-on deck. From legislators to educators to law enforcement to community activists to spiritual leaders and those leaders in the streets who have the ear and audience, along with the trust, with those committing these crimes.”

“As a result of the deluge of violence in our Central Ohio community, we feel compelled to step up across the State of Ohio.

“The government can’t be in the fight alone. It is our position that we cannot prosecute ourselves out of this problem and that often the government lacks the trust of many in the community. We cannot pray ourselves out of this problem. Faith is but one tool in the toolbox. That does not mean that we all do not have a role in this fight.”

While calling on all stakeholders’ conversation, the community leaders said, “Government has the ability to bring stakeholders to the table. The government also has the ability to fund entities that are doing the work.”