New Orleans rally decries murder toll

NEW ORLEANS — More than 3,000 people marched on City Hall on Thursday, seeking an end to the violence that has claimed nine lives in this struggling city since New Year's Day.

"A city that could not be drowned in the waters of a storm will not be drowned in the blood of its citizens," said the Rev. John Raphael, one of several speakers from participating neighborhood groups.

Several marchers held signs reading "Silence is Violence," referring to police complaints that witnesses to some killings are not coming forward.

"Seeing a crime, seeing criminal activity and not saying something is a crime. Tell somebody, even if they tell someone who can speak on your behalf. Get the word out," said Amy Brown, 35, who said she is rebuilding a home in the Central City neighborhood, home to some of the worst violence.

Mayor Ray Nagin, the object of many marchers' jeers and protest signs, watched from behind a lectern but did not take part in the rally at the behest of organizers.

Members of the city's popular Hot 8 Brass Band — whose drummer, Dinerral Shavers, was shot to death in front of his family Dec. 28 — led the march, chanting "We Shall Overcome" as they carried a banner that read "March For Survival, Walk With Us."

Marchers also carried pictures of independent filmmaker Helen Hill, gunned down in her home last week, and other victims.

"This is good. It's about time the people came out in support for putting a stop to this," said police Officer J.W. Jones, a patrolman on horseback helping with crowd control.