Community gathers to end gun violence
{Maudiette Arnett/Davidson Local}
“We adopt the means of non violence because our end is a community at peace with itself. We will try to persuade with our words, but if our words fail, we will try to persuade with our acts.” ~ Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Putting an end to gun violence was the focus last Saturday as JLD Solutions hosted their inaugural Community Against Violence Block Party in Lexington. It was a very energetic and emotional morning as a vibrant sea of orange marched from Holt-Moffitt Field up North Main Street to Breeden Insurance Amphitheater chanting in perfect harmony and unison. The month of June is recognized as Gun Violence Awareness Month and the color orange is the color chosen to represent gun violence prevention.
The program at Breeden Insurance Amphitheater began with marchers and attendees joining event organizers Angela McDuffie and Dia Nyarko in singing uplifting and encouraging songs. Several survivors of gun violence shared both heart wrenching memories of their loved ones and hope for an end to all gun violence through conflict resolution. Mayor Jason Hayes emerged from the marchers and took the stage to share his own experiences with gun violence and to encourage peaceful solutions for unity in our community. The afternoon also included embolden speeches by prominent community leaders and original performances of creative dance and spoken word.
Vendors offered a range of delicious food and beverages as well as community resources, unique art and handmade jewelry. Every child was treated to face painting and spent the day being entertained by a bubble blowing, whimsical human butterfly.
The evening concluded with promises to continue the momentum and desire to end gun violence everywhere. For more information on ending gun violence in our community or to support JLD Community Solutions visit their website at jldscholarshipfund.org.
