New crime data shows promise, with both violent and property crimes down last year and more homicide cases cleared. Community members say it's important to keep that trend moving forward.
"We're going to keep multiplying, we're going to keep talking to these kids, we're going to give them activities, we're going to stop this violence. I've had enough of it," said Big Mama of Big Mama's Legacy Food Truck, which served food at the event.
It was a young crowd, and organizers say that involvement is critical-getting people engaged early makes a difference.
The POOF Teen Center, which works to provide opportunities for Durham teens, recently sent a group of students to Ghana-an experience they describe as life changing.
"We learned about our history. We also learned we don't have to take anything for granted. In Ghana, the gun violence rate is very low compared to here. I was able to talk to the students to see how they felt, their comfortability. We learned about a different culture over there," said Destiny Alexander.
The organization is now raising money to send another group of teens to Ghana, hoping they'll return ready to share positive stories about their home in the Bull City.
"I would tell them we could all be together as one. It's a nice community with a lot of fun stuff to do. And we like to have fun," said eighth grader Elijah Waters.