RAINIER VALLEY – This weekend, a local group plans to confront youth violence in Seattle by holding a peace march and rally at Martin Luther King Memorial Park in the Mt. Baker neighborhood of the Rainier Valley.

Standing In The Gap Seattle calls itself a grassroots organization organized to “share the love of God to bring change and healing to communities effected by gang, drug and gun violence.” It was formed by local pastors Ray Rogers, Greg Banks and Don Davis.

“We will be marching the streets of Seattle and Rallying to discuss solutions to the overwhelming gun violence,” they said.

The march – scheduled for this Sat., Sept. 8, will start simultaneously at opposite ends in both the South-End and Central District neighborhoods, where Seattle gangs have held long-running battles. Groups will gather at both Columbia Park (4721 Rainier Ave. S.) and Powell Barnett Park (352 Martin Luther King Jr. Way) at 11 am before marching the two miles to Martin Luther King Memorial Park (2200 Martin Luther King Jr. way S.) where the rally will be held.

Expected speakers include Deputy Mayor Darryl Smith and and Jon Ramer, local organizer of Compassion Seattle and The Compassion Games. Entertainment will be provided by 206 Zulu Nation.

The area around Rainier Avenue South and South Henderson Street in Rainier Beach has been the scene of numerous youth shootings. The neighborhood is also home to several schools, a library and community center. Photo/KOMO News (RVP news partner)