Community hosts "Heal the Hood" block party hours after three overnight shootings in Milwaukee

Rain or shine, people came out in full support in ending the violence in their communities.

Entertainment, a fresh haircut, free food, and more than 30 vendors, all featured at the annual heal the hood block party at the corner of ninth and W. Ring St. in Milwaukee.

This party was just hours after three overnight shootings in the Milwaukee, all within 21 minutes, including one where a man was shot and killed in front of a house on West Reservoir.

\"This makes us do what we do even more prevalent\", said Heal the Hood founder Ajamou Butler.

Nate Hamilton says these events are necessary if it means putting an end to the near daily tragedies.

\"This is the black community that is trying to strive to do better things that's coming together to support one another, to support black businesses, to understand like businesses\", said Nate Hamilton. \"I think coming here it's helping people say, you know what, there is love in the black community.\"

CBS 58 also spoke with the founder of the running rebels.

Victor Barnett says connecting with the inner-city youth will also help.

\"The hopelessness that our young people have and dealing with\", said Victor Barnett. \"We have to bring that hope I am at light at the end of the tunnel closer to them. Give them some hope. Make them feel that they can be successful and give the more drive. Our young people just seem to be lost, and we have to help them find themselves.\"

The Milwaukee Police Department has worked on some 60 homicides this year.

That's more than double the number of homicides compared to this time last year.