A recent anti-gun-violence march in Daytona Beach provided a powerful platform for families of victims to share their stories and advocate for change. The event, titled Guns Down March, saw mothers and relatives of young people killed by gun violence coming together to remember their loved ones and call for an end to the senseless killings.
One of the participants, LaShandra Miles, lost her son Lawrence Davis to gun violence on March 29. Describing him as a family man and a loving person, she emphasized the need for people to work together to provide more activities for young people and get more involved in their lives. Miles’s determination to take action stemmed from the realization that another young person, a 16-year-old, was killed just weeks after her son’s murder. She said, That’s the day I knew I had to get up and do something.
The march began at the Julia T. and Charles W. Cherry Sr. Cultural and Educational Center and ended at Joe Harris Park. The route passed by the locations of some of the shootings that had taken place in the city, serving as a poignant reminder of the tragic loss of life. Jennifer Cord, who is still awaiting justice for her son Rayshard Mitchell’s murder, called for more people to speak out against the violence and urged the community to come together to resolve the issue.
Daytona Beach has experienced a concerning number of shootings this year, with seven fatalities. Daytona Beach Police Chief Jakari Young, who attended the event, voiced his frustration with the culture of silence surrounding these crimes. He stressed the importance of consistent conversations, community accountability, and individuals coming forward to speak up when crimes occur. Young noted that people are often reluctant to cooperate, but when it happens to their own loved ones, everything changes.
The Guns Down March provided an opportunity for family members to share their stories, advocate for nonviolence in the community, and call for more action at the county level to address the problem. As they marched along Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Boulevard, participants held signs, prayed, and chanted the powerful slogan Guns down, Jesus up. The message struck a chord with some onlookers who expressed their support and waved from the roadside.
Among the stories shared was that of Grace Robinson, grandmother of Travis Hubbert Jr., a young man killed in a drive-by shooting. Robinson, wearing a light blue shirt adorned with a prom photo of her grandson, tearfully addressed the crowd. She emphasized the impact Hubbert’s death had on his loved ones, including his baby whom he left behind. Robinson implored everyone to pray for justice for all mothers and grandmothers and urged people to turn away from violence.
The event shed light on the urgent need to address gun violence in Daytona Beach. It provided a platform for families to grieve, remember their loved ones, and call for change. By placing a spotlight on the devastating impact of these crimes, the Guns Down March hoped to inspire action, community involvement, and collaboration to save lives and create a safer future.
