Freedom Writer to Speak at Moms: S.O.S. Community Peace Rally

Recently formed community group Moms: Save Our Sons will host a community peace rally Saturday from 1-4 p.m. at Evanston Township High School.

At a recent organizing meeting, the group said the rally will be one of many steps they plan to take to combat violence in the Evanston community.

A peace march will kick off the event at noon, starting at Twiggs Park and ending at ETHS.

An original Freedom Writer Manuel Scott will speak at the rally along with Walter Mendenhall, brother of Steelers player Rashard Mendenhall.

Moms: S.O.S. began this past winter, when two mothers affected by violence decided to take a stand to prevent other local mothers from being in the same position.

Cathy Key, who in a , and Sherry Walker, who lost her son years ago in a shooting at Dempster and Dodge, said they want strong male role models to work with Evanston youth to keep them off the streets and out of trouble.

In addition to the rally, the group is planning job placement and mentoring programs.

Correction: The first version of this story listed Rashard Mendenhall as the speaker. Walter, not Rashard, will speak at the event.