CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The city is seeing young victims of homicide and community groups came together to hold a vigil in memory of recent victims of gun violence Sunday. 

Since July 11, the city has had seven homicides. Three of the victims were teenagers.

Youth activist and founder of Meo’s World Meoshia Burgess partnered with Another Chance: House of Refuge, Big Rig Kids and Single Saved & Serious Chuck to host the event on Sunday.

“We can’t let this keep happening to our community, to our brothers to our sisters,” Burgess said.

The event took place at Crown’s Plaza, a location where Another Chance: House of Refuge has given weekly meals to community members in need for the past month.

“We can always provide the community with food, clothes and essential items but when you come together for prayer. Prayer changes things,” Another Chance House of Refuge Founder Shakieta Zollicoffer said.

Sheriff Garry McFadden also joined the cause bringing his community engagement unit to the event.

“If the youth says ‘I’m not going to wait for the adults to take measures and create things’, that’s how we have to follow. We have to follow the youth and I’m following her,” McFadden said.

Burgess hopes this event encourages other young people to speak up and become part of the solution.

"All the gun violence going around right now needs to stop. Our voices need to be heard because we are the youth and we are the future,” Burgess said.

Both Burgess and Sheriff McFadden emphasized the importance of having youth programs. McFadden said there are ways to restart those programs safely amid the pandemic.

If you are interested in helping Another Chance: House of Refuge help neighbors in need, call 704-562-7500.