BY IRIS B. HOLTON
Sentinel City Editor
After several young people lost their lives to senseless violence, one Tampa activist decided to draw attention to the tragedies. She organized the first “Memorial Candlelight Vigil” in 1996.
The event was held annually and sponsored by Mrs. Vivian Heyward. However, a spike in violent deaths last year has lead to the revival of this event.
On Saturday, February 11th, beginning at 4 p.m., Mrs. Heyward has joined forces with the Stop The Violence Task Force and they will host a Memorial Candlelight Vigil. It will take place at the Lee Davis Center, 3402 N. 22nd Street.
Ernest Coney Jr
The Stop The Violence Task Force was formed last November after 14 murders took place in a ten-day period. Ernest Coney, Jr., Interim CEO of the CDC of Tampa, Inc., called upon the community to seek solutions to ending the violence. The task force was the result of that call to action.
Mrs. Heyward said, “During the last four years, there has been individual candlelight vigils held by the families of victims. The purpose of this event is to keep the memories alive of the fallen victims to stop violent crimes, recently and in the past.”
Randal C, formerly of WTMP Radio Station, will serve as the Master of Ceremonies. Two parents who have lost children to violence will also attend.
On November 9, 2002, 18-year-old Kevin Sylvester Allen was shot and killed while in the 5800 block of N. 42nd Street. According to Tampa Police records, it remains an open investigation. His mother, Mrs. Wanda Buie, will attend the vigil.
On November 6, 2011, 16-year-old Jamarie Lavon Hodges was shot and killed outside his residence on E. Ellicott Street. Jose Torres-Melvin, 19, is currently facing a first-degree murder. His grandmother, Mrs. Mary Reynolds, will attend and share her story as well.
Leroy Chestnut, Michael Watkins, Chad Lynch, Felecia Hines, James Davis, Cedric Cochran, Warren Mitchell, John Singleton, Jr., and many others will be remembered.
The purpose of the vigil is two-fold. First, it is designed to remember the victims while stressing the need to eliminate violence in our communities. Secondly, to form a support group to empower the loved ones of victims during their periods of loneliness and grief, Mrs. Heyward said.
She further stated that many of the cases remain unsolved and the police need information to solve them.
Designed to be a community event, Mrs. Heyward and Coney are inviting anyone who has lost a loved one to participate in the celebration of life. “I want our children to know that it’s time for a change and the time is now. Let’s prevent another tragedy by turning in your guns,” she said.
Those planning to attend the vigil are encouraged to arrive early and register his or her loved one, bring a chair, a candle, or a flashlight.
The event is open to the community. For additional information, contact Mrs. Heyward at (813) 270-1959, or Ernest Coney at (813) 248-9738.
