Wednesday marks the start of a ceasefire in Albany after a deadly summer in the city. Residents are asked to put their weapons away for the next 72 hours.

The ceasefire was started Dr. Paul Miller, by the Principal and CEO of Green Tech Charter School. He says the majority of his students come from the violent community, and he knew he had to help.

"We have to take a stance and take action against it," Miller said.

So far this year, Albany has seen nine homicides. Over the summer, there was a recent rash of violence, including multiple deadly shootings. The community is calling for peace and officials are taking them up on that challenge.

Common Councilwoman Dorcey Applyrs joined with Dr. Miller to get the message spread across the community she represents.

"There are other ways to relieve our energy that doesn't involve picking up a gun or picking up a knife," the councilwoman said.

They say the main focus for the ceasefire was to bring everyone together. Organizers say it's important to not only focus on the youth, but it will take every single neighbor in the community to make a change.  

On Saturday, the group will mark what they hope will be a violence-free three days. There will be a gathering held at Green Tech for people of all ages. The event will feature music, family games, and even a water fight to help beat the summer heat.

They want to focus on fun to prove to the community it can be violence-free.

"Oftentimes with addiction, they ask you to detox and then they replace it with something else, so we're trying to replace it with something that's healthier; something that's fun," Miller added.