BUFFALO, NY - We are Celebrating Western New York -- focusing on a local community leader who has received a big award. The executive director of Buffalo's Stop the Violence Coalition received a prestigious award for leadership from the FBI.
Murray Holman is on the front line of Buffalo's fight against gang violence.
REPORTER: Why do you do what you do?
"Haha, God, I guess God, first gave me this mission," Holman said.
Murray grew up on the eastside in the 70s and 80s and had a choice to make -- stick with school and basketball or join a gang.
"I didn't want to live like that," he said, "why should I have to ride through the neighborhood always fear you can't go here, you can't go there. So, we tried to change the mindset of that a little bit involving ourselves with youth."
As leader of Buffalo's Stop the Violence Coalition, Murray has devoted his life to helping kids who are facing the same challenges he faced.
He works around the clock, intervening in situations between gangs on the brink of violence. When tragedies happen, he's there comforting families who have lost loved ones.
REPORTER: When something does happen, how does your mind click? That this is what we need to do?
"So my mind goes into a mode of making sure that the scene is protected, the families get the answers they need," Holman said.
He's also a go-to person for police, sharing information with investigators.
"People are accepting us because the Peacemakers in the community accepts us. They're looking at us as human beings and they've just helped us blaze so many trails," said Captain Steve Nichols of Buffalo Police.
In recognition of all his work in the community, Murray has received the FBI's Director's Community Leadership Award.
"This award goes out to the whole community of Buffalo," Murray said.
"People like Murray bring hope to our community and we're very fortunate that he's a part of our community," said J.P. Kennedy, the U.S. Attorney.
REPORTER: What is your message of hope?
"If I can do it you can do it," Murray said.
Murray and his wife hold a summer picnic for families impacted by gang violence, trying to bring them together. If there's one thing Murray wants to see more of to improve the eastside, it's jobs. Murray will be recognized in a ceremony in April in Washington, D.C.