MIAMI – After three weeks, gun violence protesters in Miami's Liberty City neighborhood ended their hunger strike Saturday morning.
The members of The Hunger 9 said their action has drawn worldwide attention to the violence that has plagued their communities for years.
"I think it's already changed, we are seeing a change already because people are actually talking about it," said Leroy Jones, one of the protesters who took part in the hunger strike.
Jones said none of what the politicians, the churches and the media have done has worked. He believes their protest will help fuel a movement for change to raise the awareness that is needed to reduce the gun violence that has so many mothers grieving in this community.
The other protesters are Edward Haynes, Albert Campbell, Anthony Eugene Durden, Phillip Muhammad Tavernier, Lyle Muhammad, Anthony Blackman, George Dana Jackson and Melvin El.
Their efforts are getting worldwide attention on social media. Alicia Peterson, who said four of her brothers were shot and killed, said their sacrifice has been very touching.
Erhabor Ighodaro, a Miami Gardens councilman, seized the opportunity.
"A death in our community is too much," said Ighodaro, who wore a "I Support The 9" T-shirt under a blazer. "One is too much."