Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin implored residents to reflect on the “incredible toll” gun violence has taken in 2022 as the city joined several others across the country Friday to recognize the year’s gun-related homicide victims during an inaugural day of remembrance.

“Gun violence has taken an incredible toll on lives not just here, but across the nation in the past year. Though this problem is not unique to Birmingham, the pain cuts deeper when it’s our communities, our families, our friends, our children who grapple at loss that comes with senseless violence,” the mayor said as the city participated in Mayors Against Illegal Guns’ Day of Remembrance for Gun-Related Homicide Victims.

Woodfin, who was joined by faith leaders in the city who read the names of all of Birmingham’s 86 fatal shooting victims in 2022 and prayed for their families, said the victims should be remembered for their legacies and not how their lives ended.

“It is so important that the lives lost not be turned into empty statistics or a simple number,” the mayor said. ”They were mothers and fathers. They were brothers and sisters. Cousins, coworkers, colleagues and friends. They are Birmingham. Today, we say their names to remember them and their legacies. Let these names be a reminder of the toll of violence. We cannot turn a blind eye to the pain left behind in their absence.”

Last week, Birmingham recorded a grim milestone with its 141st homicide, the highest in the city in decades.

The highest number of homicides recorded in recent memory was 141 in 1991. The city’s all-time annual record for homicides was set in 1933 recorded when Birmingham had 148 slayings.

The mayor encouraged anyone grieving the loss of a victim to go to birminghamal.gov/peace, which lists resources including crisis and suicide prevention hotlines and contact information for CrimeStoppers.

“Our hearts are heavy, but we are united in strength, and it’s important that we remain united in strength,” he said.

Bishop Mike McClure, Sr., of Revelation Church Ministries, who was among the religious leaders who helped read the names of the victims, especially mourned the loss of the youngest Birmingham residents who lost their lives to gun violence.

“Our hearts break for them. In their memory, we remain steadfast in our resolve to protect the young people of our city,” he said.

Among the homicide victims were 10 people whose killings were ruled justifiable homicides.

“Regardless as to whether or not it’s justified, we do recognize gun violence as a public health crisis, and I really believe with all of my heart that we must begin to think more highly of ourselves and other people to the point to where we value all of life,” said Thomas Beavers, pastor of New Rising Star Church, who was tasked with reading those 10 names.