'Say Their Names' Prayer Service Remembers 36 Victims Of Social Injustice

Saying their names and praying their names...on Saturday, outside a memorial fence marked with the names of 36 people who suffered at the hands of police.

Faith leaders from across the Pittsburgh region gathered on Centre Avenue in East Liberty to raise those names in prayer.

This was held Stations of the Cross style where clergy members paused at each group of names, gave thanks for their lives and asked for forgiveness for their deaths.

Organizers tell KDKA while we celebrate freedom today, we also need to recognize the plight many people of color still face.

"We want to remember those who did not have to be gone today, who did not have to lose their life," said Pastor Eric McIntosh. "And so because of the hate and or other aspects that bring the violence that takes their life, we need to not only lift their memory, but we also need to lift their family in prayer."

The Juneteenth service also observed the anniversary of the death of Antwon Rose Jr. who was gunned down by an East Pittsburgh Police officer three years ago today.