By Dawn Scotland
The Truth Reporter
Sisters 4 Unity held its fourth annual Communities Against Gun Violence March and Unity Day at Smith Park Saturday, August 22. The free community event featured food, music, games, community resources and more in a day of remembrance for Issac Carpenter, Jo’Von Porter, Christopher Kinnebrew and Treasure Wiley who were lost to gun violence.
The Sisters 4 Unity organization was formed in December 2022 out of love, legacy, tears and unity. The organization is led by four mothers, Abena Rowland, LaShawnda Kinnebrew, Jannell Ector and Aviance Hill, who have all experienced the insurmountable pain of tragically losing their sons to gun violence and were determined to take action against the senseless precious lives being taken from us daily.
Ector emphasized the importance of this year’s event “This is the fourth annual community day and its very special for us, because we have four sons, which is what started this. So we are out here representing our four loved ones,” she stated.
“We are here in the community and we want to bring a peaceful and a healing event. Bring the entire family out. We are here for you. We are boots on the ground. If we can will do anything we can to help a victim, a survivor, or change one person’s mind so that no other family feels what we go through every day,” she continued.
Abena, Aviance, LaShawnda and Jannell stand to bring about advocacy, change, policy, education, compassion, communication, and above all else, assist with preventing further violence. Together all four mothers united with the Sisters 4 Unity volunteers from all walks, work bravely to support survivors and victims while aiding in the fight to stop violence in the community.
The mission of the group is to stir courage, amplify voices, and kindle solace for survivors and victims of violence, while forging a path toward a safer future.
The march began at 10 a.m. at Scott Park with events continuing until 3 p.m. Those who marched included local officials, community members, organizations, dance troops, car clubs and the families of those who have been lost to gun violence in the community.
Ector shared a message from Sisters 4 Unity: “Stop and think. Three seconds can change the trajectory of your life and everyone else’s around you. Please remember, when these things are happening, it’s not just the victim that is victimized it is also the victim’s family. Then your family. So you should stop and think,” she shared.
To learn more about the organization visit their social media page on Facebook.
