A local group of mothers are tired of crime in their city, and they’re doing something about it.

P-M.A.F.I.A., which stands for Peace-Mothers Angered Forced Into Action, has arranged a march on Saturday to commemorate the victims of both past and present violent crimes. And not a moment too soon.

The ninth murder of the year occurred a week ago.

Mayor James Perkins Jr. has scheduled a public forum on crime for Oct. 23. The subject of crime is not only on many people’s minds, but also on their hearts.

We share those sentiments.

Crime should not merely be viewed as a community statistic and lumped together with factors such as schools and jobs.

Crime affects all of us whether it’s in our homes, businesses or even our families.

As a community, we cannot escape crime by where we live or by the places we frequent. Instead, crime must be addressed on a day-to-day basis, and it must be fought.

P-M.A.F.I.A. plans on fighting crime through programs such as tutoring for exit exams, GED classes and esteem building provided to the community by other organizations.

We salute the group’s efforts and encourage everyone to participate in Saturday’s march.

Barbara Brown, leader of the group Citizens Against Violence, said she applauded P-M.A.F.I.A. for its actions and added that she wanted to see more community leaders take a stronger role in fighting crime.

People can’t just sit back and allow this to happen,&uot; Brown said. &uot;We have to try and find solutions.&uot;

And if we join together as a community, we will.