article_snippet.sent: The message was that our young people are not valued," Thomas said.
article_snippet.sent: New prisons were built, Thomas said.
article_snippet.sent: Thomas recalled driving along downtown's Pratt Street on Tuesday, near the Inner Harbor, the streets teeming with National Guardsmen and State Police officers.
article_snippet.sent: When I left downtown and came into East Baltimore, I see no National Guard, no troopers," Thomas said.
article_snippet.sent: Hickman, Thomas and other clergy members on Monday night met with gang members in an attempt to stem the street violence.
article_snippet.sent: Thomas said it was the first time such a gathering took place.