Tina Chery, whose 15-year-old son was killed in 1993 in the crossfire of a gang shootout on his way to attend a Teens Against Gang Violence meeting, said that she and other survivors are “taking our pain . . . to the streets.”

Thousands turned out Sunday morning for the 21st annual Mother’s Day Walk for Peace, marching almost 7 miles from Dorchester to City Hall in solidarity with the mourning families.

Organizers handed out purple ponchos. Umbrellas buckled in the wind. Children held handmade signs that the cold rain had all but washed away. But for families who have lost loved ones to violence, it was grief — not the weather — that they struggled with on Mother’s Day.


“This is not a black issue, this is not an inner-city issue, this is not a gang issue,” said Chery, wearing a purple poncho as she marched in the rain. “This is a human rights issue.”

Chery founded the Louis D. Brown Peace Institute, named after her son, to offer support services to families and communities in the aftermath of violence.

The nonprofit has organized the Mother’s Day Walk for Peace each year since 1996. Leaders said attendance over the past couple of decades has skyrocketed as community awareness grows — and as violence continues to claim lives.

“The other mothers are out here feeling the same thing that I’m feeling,” said Ursula Ward, who walked with a purple banner that read “In Loving Memory of Odin Lloyd.”

Former Patriots player Aaron Hernandez was convicted of the 2013 murder of Lloyd, Ward’s son, though the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court vacated the conviction because Hernandez, who killed himself in prison, died before the appeals process was exhausted.

Ward urged community members to “speak up” when violence happens, saying that “there is no such thing as a snitch.”


The crowd at the kickoff of the walk at Town Field Park in Dorchester included Governor Charlie Baker, Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh, Boston Police Commissioner William B. Evans, state legislators, and city councilors.

Addressing the audience, Debra Morris-Covington’s voice broke as she talked about the devastation she feels over losing her 3-year-old grandson, Kenai Whyte — who was killed in early 2016.

She relies on the support of the Peace Institute, which sends a therapist to her house, she said.

“Mother’s Day was never really a good day for me,” said Morris-Covington. “But today, it means something.”

Several speakers talked about the virtues of legislation introduced by state Representative Evandro C. Carvalho that would change state-funded compensation for victims.

The current law allows for the reduction or denial of financial assistance if the victim is determined to have made choices that contributed to his or her death.

Carvalho’s bill would allow families of homicide victims to receive assistance for a modest funeral, burial, and/or cremation services, regardless of circumstances.

Alexandra Chery, sister of Louis Brown, said the Peace Institute seeks “equitable and consistent services” for families, “regardless of the circumstances” of the murder.

“We’re just looking for that little piece that allows people to bury their loved ones with dignity and respect,” she said.

More than 200 walking teams, representing survivor families as well as hospitals, congregations, and other community organizations, marched to raise money for the Peace Institute, according to a statement by organizers. The annual walk is the organization’s main fund-raiser.


The Leonard P. Zakim Bunker Hill Memorial Bridge was lit purple — the color chosen for the walk — over the weekend in its honor, according to a Peace Institute board member.

The crowd of rain-soaked marchers included fathers of murder victims, too.

Ronald D. Odom Sr. recalled how his 13-year-old son, Steven Odom, was shot and killed by a gang member in a case of mistaken identity in 2007.

“It will be ten years this October,” he said, “and if you ask me, it was yesterday.”

Odom, a pastor, had just returned from celebrating his small Dorchester church’s first year of operation when he heard the shots and found his youngest child on the ground outside their home.

Dealing with burial logistics during such acute despair is “overwhelming,” he said, and the Peace Institute offers services to assist through the process — “one less thing you have to focus on.”

Today, Odom said, he closed his church to be able to participate in the walk. Many of his parishioners joined him.

“A few raindrops in a survivor’s life?” he said, trudging through the streets of Roxbury, miles into the march with miles still to go. “This is nothing. This is easy.”

Winding 6.8 miles through the streets of Dorchester, Roxbury, the South End, and Downtown Crossing, the Mother’s Day Walk for Peace concluded at City Hall with the raising of a purple flag in honor of the victims and their loved ones.


“Walking together, we’re like family — united,” said Ward. “This is the best medicine we can get after losing our loved ones.”

Tina Chery (left) and state Senator Linda Dorcena Forry warmed up with the rest of the crowd before the start of the annual Mother’s Day Walk for Peace. Jessica Rinaldi/Globe Staff/Globe Staff

Debra Morris-Convington (right) turned to Tina Chery after speaking about losing her 3-year-old grandson. Jessica Rinaldi/Globe Staff/Globe Staff

City Councilor Tito Jackson embraced Ursula Ward, mother of the slain Odin Lloyd, during the walk. Jessica Rinaldi/Globe Staff/Globe Staff

A marcher wore a Walk for Peace band over his mouth. Jessica Rinaldi/Globe Staff

Nicole Fleming can be reached at nicole.fleming@globe.com.