July 30, 2015

 

by Brittany K. Jackson 

LAWT Contributing Writer 

 

A large crowd of community members, social activists, preachers and children gathered at the Park and Ride on Crenshaw Boulevard and 120th Street this week to bring awareness to the senseless gun violence impacting families and children in Los Angeles and abroad. The rally, which called for peace and social resolve through unity, faith, and prayer, sought to eradicate the cloud of darkness hovering over Los Angeles communities. 

 

Reverend BJ King organized the Let Me Live: My Life Matters rally to re-focus the attention on the many children whose lives are at stake if the senseless violence continues. “I’m not a gang member, I don’t know anything about the hundred this, or the hundred that. I know I have mothers of dead kids standing behind me,” said King with a strong conviction. “We just want for the people out there that are doing the things that they are doing, to know who it is that they are affecting,” he stated.

 

Many in attendance were mothers and family members of countless victims lost to gun violence. Lawanda Hawkins, a local activist, spoke of her tragic experience and the value in speaking up for victims. “People in our community that stand up regarding violence in our communities are heroes, and they need to be recognized like that,” Hawkins stated.

 

Faizon Boykins, a 19-year activist and resident of Los Angeles, spoke about why it was so important for him to be at the rally and share his message to young black men. “I’m here to stand up for my black brothers. I really don’t feel comfortable that a lot of my brothers are being killed. We are not murderers, we are one, and we have to improve our education so that we can grow as a community.”

 

The Let Me Live: My Life Matters rally is not only a voice for families of victims, but a movement to stop gun violence, helping those involved that true heroes don’t kill to receive stripes or street credibility, but stand up as leaders and not followers.  

 

Category: News