Bronx residents came together Saturday for the 17th annual “Stop the Violence” rally in an effort to bring positive change and advocate against gun violence.

The event was held at St. Augustine Our Lady of Victory Church on Webster Avenue.

Several of those in attendance were the family members of young men and women who lost their lives to gun violence

“Behind every face is a mother, a father, a sister or a daughter,” said Catrina Kelly, who lost her 24-year-old son.

The rally comes just 11 days after a Bronx man was shot and killed in the Webster houses.

“We're praying and praying that everybody gets the message that we are killing our doctors, lawyers, teachers,” said Bernard Smith, the father of a 19-year-old victim to gun violence. “We are killing our future.”

Elected officials in attendance say it is important to distribute resources to educate people and monitor the criminal justice system so as to ensure the proper direction and reintegration of those who come through it.