After hearing about the brutal attack against Carl Hardrick as he was simply walking home from his job at the YMCA Monday night, citizens, faith leaders, and lawmakers stood outside Hartford City Hall to let everyone know enough is enough.
"I was speechless. I could not believe there were actually people in this community who would do this to him," said Garland Higgins who attended the rally.
The 72-year-old, known by many as "Brother Carl," has dedicated his life working to prevent youth and gang violence in the city. Even after becoming a victim himself, he's not slowing down.
"I can't give up. I get knocked down I have to get up. Not only do I have to get up, I have to get up stronger," said Hardrick.
"We really want our youth to start taking some responsibility for their own actions," said Hartford Communities That Care Executive Director Andrew Woods.
Community activists know their work is far from over. On Saturday Hartford saw multiple shootings and stabbings, but Hardrick says this is not just a Hartford problem.
"It can happen anywhere. Because if we don't clean it here, what happens in the city eventually happens in the suburbs. It rolls out," said Hardrick. "I want kids to look at what they're doing and think, 'How do we correct things in our community that's wrong?'"
People rallying hope their message is heard, and by the turnout on Saturday and the outrage felt by many about what happened, Hardrick knows he's not in this fight alone.
"If it took this kind of beating to bring people out then it wasn't in vain," said Hardrick.
Community leaders are asking the youth to reach out on social media to encourage others to promote peace and respect for everyone.
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City Leaders and Activists Demand An End to Violence
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