More African-Americans hit the pavement in Over-the-Rhine Friday, urging residents in this, troubled neighborhood to help stop the violence that has plagued its streets since April.

        This time, they are younger, male and not sponsored by any church or civic group. These members of the newly formed People's Peace Patrol sport bright purple T-shirts that say: “Stop in the name of Love. Stop taking out people. Stop the violence. Unity & Love can stop the violence.”

        The new block-watch group plans to walk the streets every afternoon to heighten awareness, making others think twice before commiting a crime.

        “It's the stray bullet that you worry about,” said Clayton Walker, 38, who has lived in Over-the-Rhine since 1983. He knows that it will take residents — and not just city council members or more police — to bring calm to the area.

        “If you know people (and) people know you, they accept you. It's going to take something like that,” he said.

        Former Hamilton County judge Leslie Isaiah Gaines helped form the new group. He has been walking the streets of Over-the-Rhine since April 7, when a Cincinnati police officer shot an unarmed man.

        “This is up to you — all the brothers and sisters who live on the streets of Over-the-Rhine,” he said. “Get the word out.”

        Some men ran up to Mr. Gaines, who wore a purple T-shirt and derby hat, to get their own T-shirt.

        “I'm for ... anything to help my neighborhood better themselves,” said Luther Gilbert, 45.

        Cassandra Barham-Denton, an African-American who works for a welfare rights agency at Vine and Green streets, hsaid a solution will take more than men walking the neighborhood. “We have to not be afraid to start reporting what we see,” she said.

        To join PPP, contact Mr. Gaines at 961-9900.

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