Kansas City Community Gathers to Protest Violence

Fathers and ministries hold demonstration at 31st and Prospect to call for unity and change

Mar. 21, 2026 at 9:18pm

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A group of demonstrators, many of them fathers, gathered at the corner of 31st and Prospect in Kansas City, Missouri to reclaim the space and send a message of hope, unity and nonviolence. The area has been plagued by issues like drugs, prostitution and gun violence, and the demonstrators addressed these chronic problems in the community.

Why it matters

The demonstration was organized in response to the high number of homicides in Kansas City so far this year, which is down slightly from last year but still considered too many by community members. The event aimed to change minds, stop arguments from escalating, and provide resources like food and clothing to those in need.

The details

The gathering was organized by Peace Patrol Ministries, Fathers United Against Violence and Hands of Hope. They provided clothes, food and reminded people of the power of prayer. Apostle John D. Birmingham Jr. of Peace Patrol Ministries said the goal was to 'change somebody's mind and call attention to this chronic problem' of violence in the community.

  • So far in 2026, there have been 26 homicides in Kansas City.
  • The demonstration took place on March 21, 2026.

The players

Apostle John D. Birmingham Jr.

Leader of Peace Patrol Ministries, one of the organizations that organized the demonstration.

Rustin

Representative of Hands of Hope, another organization that helped organize the event.

Markaya

A resident who attended the demonstration and said it should be a recurring event.

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What they’re saying

“It's sickening that these brothers are killing brothers. They are robbing homes, devastating our communities with the violence, and they're robbing homes of leadership. So, we're out here to say something and hold dialogue to change somebody's mind and call attention to this chronic problem.”

— Apostle John D. Birmingham Jr., Leader, Peace Patrol Ministries

“If we can just change one mind — change one mind — stop an argument before it escalates into something else.”

— Apostle John D. Birmingham Jr., Leader, Peace Patrol Ministries

“Our organization comes out here every weekend to feed the homeless, usually from our van. Since it's more of us, we decided to get a tent and celebrate a little more, and raise awareness for how many homicides we've had in the city.”

— Rustin, Representative, Hands of Hope

“I had a really good prayer session. They're really nice people, and I think this is really nice what they're doing for the community.”

— Markaya, Resident

What’s next

The organizers plan to continue holding similar demonstrations and events to address the ongoing issue of violence in the Kansas City community.

The takeaway

This demonstration highlights the efforts of community leaders, faith-based organizations, and concerned residents to take a stand against the chronic problem of violence in Kansas City. By coming together to reclaim public spaces, provide resources, and call for change, they are working to make a positive impact and inspire others to join the movement for a safer, more united community.