Benton Harbor High School holds end of school year Peace Walk

BENTON HARBOR, Mich. -- Students from Benton Harbor High School were getting prepped for the annual end of school year Peace Walk Thursday morning, and ABC57's Giselle Valentin was there to chat with staff and students.

The walk is intended to inspire the next generation of leaders and also serves as the grand finale of a transformative Civil Rights trail tour recently attended by 38 Benton Harbor students.

Freshman Cyn-Ciere Jett and 37 other students just returned from a journey through the Civil Rights Trail, visiting Atlanta, Birmingham, Montgomery, and Selma.

These students walked the same streets where the legends of the Civil Rights Movement marched, prayed, and fought for justice.

"It was great. It was very inspirational. It was very informational too, like, it informed me a lot about my history and how I should take it more seriously, and how I should-- How I should feel great about my race and who I am, my culture and my past," said Jett.

It's the 13th year for the annual Peace Walk, but outside of Benton Harbor Schools, the city has taken the initiative to fight violence amongst youth in recent years.

Last year saw the Safe Summer Program return, with similar initiatives like "21 Days of Peace" and "Stop the Violence" in recent years.

Benton Harbor city leaders have called on the community to do their part in connecting with youth and taking responsibility to prevent gun violence.