Try Love: Community Against Gun Violence event is today in Lexington
About the event
June 3, 2023 marked a significant achievement for us as we hosted our very first gun violence awareness event, the "Community Against Gun Violence Block Party." The day began with a walk against gun violence and later featured speakers, entertainment, and vendors that made a lasting impact on the community. Mayor Jason Hayes extended his support by presenting a Proclamation, recognizing the first Friday in June as National Gun Violence Awareness Day in Lexington, NC. Chief of Police, Robbie Rummage, played a crucial role in securing backing from the Lexington Police Department. Additionally, the City of Lexington City Council provided funding to aid our cause. Read more about the event.
Davidson Local covered the event last year. Here is a link to the content: https://www.davidsonlocal.com/news/community-gathers-to-end-gun-violence?rq=gun%20violence.
This year, we extend an invitation to the community to join us at the upcoming event "Try Love: Community Against Gun Violence". In light of recent events affecting the community, we feel it is crucial to raise awareness about the devastating effects of gun violence and advocate for change. It is our goal to inspire the community to intentionally incorporate acts of love and kindness in our everyday lives. Integrating love and kindness into daily life cultivates a culture of peace, empathy, and mutual respect, which are foundational elements in preventing violence and building safer communities.
During this event you can expect a joyful vigil celebrating the lives of those lost due to gun violence, a riveting panel discussion with a range of men of color with various ages, a paint station that will inspire creativity, self-expression, and help boost confidence amongst attendees and much more.
You can look forward to these engaging activities:
Memorial vigil: honoring lives lost due to gun violence
Panel discussion: that will consist of a panel of men from all walks of life with a story to tell and encouraging words to share with the young men of color for this generation
Paint/art station: that will inspire creativity and allow attendees to expresses their hopes for a violence-free world.
Music
Stilt walking
Face painting
Sack Race
Limbo challenge
Games
Complimentary lunch
Raffle: each hour for great prizes!
Register & Donate
In 2008 our family experienced one of the greatest tragedies we would ever face. Our loved one, Johnny Leroy "Lee-Lee" Dawkins Jr., was tragically killed due to gun violence. He was only 25 years old.
The scholarship program was founded in 2010 by mother, Angela McDuffie, and sister, Andria "Dia" Nyarko, in an effort to turn pain into purpose. The goal was to honor Lee-Lee's legacy, invest in the future of young men of color and prevent them from being on the giving or receiving end of gun violence,
During our first 10 years, prior to being established as a non-profit 501c3, we received support from family, friends and the community with our annual fish fry fundraiser allowing us to award over $10,000 in scholarship awards. Each award given was $500 with $1000 - $1500 awarded each year.
Established as a federally registered tax-exempt 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization in December 2020, we continue to grow and leave an impact throughout Lexington, NC that will last a lifetime.
The generous support of our donors and partners makes it possible to reach our goals and take the organization to the next level. Our impact currently serves the local community in Lexington, NC. Our future goal is to extend our services to the entire Triad community and throughout the state of North Carolina.This is a FREE event and open to the public. To assist us in planning for the number of attendees, we kindly ask the community to please register by clicking the link below. Making an impact in the community is an investment that we take pride in being a part of. We appreciate any donation made that helps us continue to be the change we seek. No contribution is too small!
{Image: JLD Community Solutions}
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