Atlanta leaders are kicking off an initiative to prevent gun violence and promote peace as the city heads towards summer. Fulton County Probate Judge Kenya Johnson made the announcement in Southview Cemetery Thursday.

Too many parents are burying their children, Johnson said. She joined law enforcement and Atlanta officials in calling for 100 days of peace.

They’ll also hold an Anti-Gun Violence Conference and Rally on May 5 at Clark Atlanta University for over 500 Atlanta Public School students. It's set to include conversations on how to end conflict, music performances as well as a job and college fair.

Jada Hall, a member of the Fulton County Youth Commission, said the threat of gun violence is real for students in Atlanta.

“Having after-school activities, I ride the MARTA home sometimes," she said. "And it’s like, you’re scared. You don’t know if you’re safe all the time. Imagine it being you or your family going through a gun violence situation. It’s not right.”

Atlanta Police Chief Rodney Bryant said last summer there was an increase in gun violence and they’re seeing similar trends this year.

“We have to have community engagement to make this happen,” Bryant said. “Doesn’t matter how many police officers we put on the street, doesn’t matter how many deputies we put on the street. The community has to be engaged.”

Tags: Crime  gun violence  Youth Violence  Georgia  Atlanta