Community rallies and prays for unity

Savannah Lockett, 8, wraps her arm around her brother Corey Lockett, 5, during a city and countywide prayer rally on Thursday at Northside Missionary Baptist Church. The siblings shared a chair for almost the entire rally, even though the seat next to them was empty. Photo by: Claire Hassler/Dispatch Staff

A crowd sits spread apart during a city and countywide prayer rally on Thursday at Northside Missionary Baptist Church. Ashley Hill and Kiara Sanders, who are part of the media ministry at Northside Missionary Baptist Church, planned the event in 72 hours when they realized their community needed to come together in unity. Photo by: Claire Hassler/Dispatch Staff

Pastor Willie S. Sanders laughs as his daughter, Gracelyn Sanders, 2, places his hat on his head during a city and countywide prayer rally on Thursday at Northside Missionary Baptist Church. Sanders was one of the eight pastors to speak during the rally, and he said a prayer for the nation. Photo by: Claire Hassler/Dispatch Staff

Tyson Cunningham performs with his band, Tyson Cunningham & Sounds of Judah, during a city and countywide prayer rally on Thursday at Northside Missionary Baptist Church. While he sang the song “He’s Able,” Cunningham asked the audience to close their eyes and think. “I want you to think about who our God is. We sing to a God who can make a way. We pray to a God who can change our situation,” he said. “As we lift our voices in prayer, may we position our hearts in faith, believing that he is the one that can move the mountains.” Photo by: Claire Hassler/Dispatch Staff

Gloria Wilkins stands and prays with her grandson Adian Pratt, 5, during a city and countywide prayer rally on Thursday at Northside Missionary Baptist Church. About 40 people sat in chairs in front of the impromptu stage and even more sat in about ten cars with windows rolled down in the parking lot across the street. Photo by: Claire Hassler/Dispatch Staff

Brandon White, 2, peeks out of the car window while he listens to Tyson Cunningham & Sounds of Judah during a city and countywide prayer rally on Thursday at Northside Missionary Baptist Church. The band performed songs like “How Great is Our God” and “Way Maker” between prayers and the audience sang and swayed along with them.

Lanay Bush holds her daughter Ava Bush, 18 months, while Lanay’s sister, Deambril Bush, records a video during a city and countywide prayer rally on Thursday at Northside Missionary Baptist Church. The sisters sang along quietly from the back of the parking lot where they watched the rally. Photo by: Claire Hassler/Dispatch Staff

Some people stand and others sit during a city and countywide prayer rally on Thursday at Northside Missionary Baptist Church. Eight pastors from different churches in town spoke during the rally. “We wanted all of the pastors to stand with us because it's a much-needed thing that needs to happen in Columbus. Prayer is much needed right now,” said Kiara Sanders, one of the women who planned the event. Photo by: Claire Hassler/Dispatch Staff

Steven Sanders holds his hands together in prayer during a city and countywide prayer rally on Thursday at Northside Missionary Baptist Church. The rally began a little after 6 p.m. and lasted over an hour. Photo by: Claire Hassler/Dispatch Staff