Thousands Join 29th Annual Boston Mother's Day Walk for Peace

The 29th annual Mother's Day Walk for Peace took place in Boston's Dorchester neighborhood, organized by the Louis D. Brown Peace Institute to honor homicide victims and support their survivors. Originating after the 1993 killing of 15-year-old Louis D. Brown, whose mother Clementina Chery founded the Institute and the walk, the event draws thousands of participants from across New England to raise awareness and funds aimed at ending community violence. This year’s theme, “Cultivating Cycles of Peace,” highlights efforts to break cycles of violence by supporting survivors, empowering youth leaders through the Generation Peace initiative, and aiding returning citizens and their families. The 3.2-mile walk began at Town Field Park and included community members, officials, and families mourning loved ones lost to violence, such as Carmen Wilkinson and Janice Johnson. The Institute set a fundraising goal of $600,000 to provide services, advocacy, and training addressing trauma, grief, and loss. Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, among others, emphasized turning pain into peace, though many participants expressed the ongoing struggle with grief and the persistent toll of violence on their communities.