Leaders at the Metropolitan Baptist Church of Newark called for neighbors to help bridge the gap between the Latino and black communities Sunday.
Residents from both communities prayed together and talked of working to teach others to put an end to gang violence. The gathering was to mark a new beginning after the violent incidents of the summer, including the schoolyard execution-style murder of three black students allegedly by Latinos.
Rev. David Jefferson is starting a mentoring program, which will pair young boys with male role models. Residents say it's a good start and hope having positive male influences can only be beneficial for young boys in the community.
Jefferson says he is planning a girls mentoring program as well.