Newport News, Va. - People went to An Achievable Dream Middle School in Newport News committed to making a better city.
"If we work at it and work at, it's hard and right now it can make a difference," said Pastor Robert Turner.
Congressman Bobby Scott talked about the gang violence that's plagued much of Newport News.
The stats are jarring; the people who looked on didn't care about stats, but they were concerned about their homes and neighborhoods.
NewsChannel 3 sat down and talked to them about what they think needs to be done.
"I don't feel that we are really receiving the support that we need," said Artistine Lang, who's lived in Newport News for 40 years.
This isn't a new problem, and it's not one that'll be solved overnight. Speaker after speaker made that clear.
"I came out tonight to see what's really going to take place," said Debbie Wilson. "Is it going to just be another meeting and then we have another meeting?"
Unfortunately, the crowd looking on can't pass any laws, but they're committed to improving their community.
"I think a lot can be done, but we just got to catch them at a younger age and actually when they get older, just don't let them go," said 21-year-old Christopher Jeter.
