Carmelo Anthony and Will Barton call for peace in Baltimore

New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony took to Instagram on Monday night to address the ongoing civil unrest in Baltimore.

"To see my city in a State of Emergency is just shocking," he wrote, in an impassioned plea for de-escalation of violence. "We need to protect our city, not destroy it."

Protests in the city - where Anthony lived from age 8 until his latter teenage years - were incited by the April 19 death of 25-year-old Freddie Gray due to injuries suffered while in police custody. 

Riots intensified on Monday, with a reported 144 vehicles and 15 buildings set on fire and 202 arrests made, leading Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan to declare a state of emergency and call in the National Guard. 

Here's Anthony's message in full: 

Denver Nuggets wing Will Barton has joined Anthony in preaching a peaceful message on social media. He's also gotten involved in a hands-on way, organizing a block party and a barbecue on Tuesday to try to build a more positive strategy with members of the community.

CAPTION: With s open mind and humble heart, I am respectfully requesting that all of my able friends, neighborhood leaders, and people of influence meet myself and other positive individuals today at 12pm at CloverDale Basketball Court. The purpose of this gathering is to plan and execute a positive strategy on how to protect and proactively save our children and our communities. I can not do this by myself, so please join us. Leadership matters and I can't think of a better time to call on our local celebrities whether it be an athlete, musician, actor or your personal hero. The love we have for our kids have to be shown now or their future will be determined in part by our actions or lack of...#BlackLivesMatter #BePositive #BePeaceful #DontTareDown #BeHopeful @thestokeyproject

CAPTION: Hey Baltimore- Meet me today at 3pm at Cloverdale on Druid Hill as we come together for conversation and a block party, our city needs us. We're calling all men, youth coaches, teachers, pastors etc. Coaches bring your kids. We need trash bags, plates, cups, napkins, plates, food, hot dogs, rolls, condiments, trash cans, ice, beverages, fruit snacks etc. McDonalds is bringing 2,500 burgers, snacks and more. Please repost and come out. #ILoveBaltimore #BMoreNotLess

Barton was born and raised in Baltimore, where he stayed until midway through his high school basketball career.

The ongoing unrest in the city has forced baseball's Baltimore Orioles to postpone two games, and they'll play Wednesday without fans in attendance.