The rally was organized by the Baltimore Community Mediation Center. City police data cited by the center showed 79 homicides across Baltimore’s nine police districts so far this year, including 12 in the Western District.

Erricka Bridgeford, the center’s executive director, grew up in the Western District and has spent about 30 years helping people resolve disputes. She said her work was shaped by the killing of her brother, who was shot by a friend after what Bridgeford described as an ordinary conflict involving disrespect.

Bridgeford said she once struggled with thoughts of revenge, and now draws on that experience when encouraging others not to retaliate. Violence can prompt further violence, she said, while mediation offers a chance to choose a different response.

Jewel Guy, a trained mediator, said many people are never taught practical ways to manage conflict and may instead repeat patterns they saw at home.

The mediation center provides services at no cost and keeps them confidential. Organizers held the rally to make residents aware that support is available. Bridgeford’s message to Baltimoreans was that they are valued and should reach out for help finding peace.