Partying for peace on Salem Avenue

DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) - Peaceful partying. That was the message behind Friday night's event at the Grace United Methodist Church on Salem Avenue.

"This is the first event for our summer of abundance weekend and this is actually the kick off the Salem Avenue Peace Corridor," says Jule Rastikis with the Salem Avenue Peace Corridor.

It's an effort to establish Salem Avenue and nearby neighborhoods as communities of peace, in hopes of revitalizing the area.

"I'm hoping this event will convey to the community that it is safe to be in Dayton. It's fun to be in Dayton. It's a place you can raise your children. Your family can live here for many years to come and you can build a legacy here," explains Nina Carter.

Carter has two young children and lives nearby. She says they want to change people's attitudes about Salem Avenue.

"I think one of the biggest misconceptions is that it's not safe in Dayton, Specifically on Salem Avenue. There are a lot of cars in terms of traffic but as far as how individuals treat each other, neighbors and community leaders, we're all very much involved and it really is just a perception," she comments.

And she says involvement is the key.

"The more you are out in the community, the more you're engaged and involved with other individuals and not being afraid to talk to other people, you really realize that it is a great place to live," Carter explains.

The Salem Avenue Peace Corridor will be holding events all weekend. For more information or if you want to get involved, go here.