JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - A community service to remember those who lost their lives to gun violence held in Memorial Park Sunday.
“It’s still hard and it’s not something that can go away you know we pretty much just have to stay positive about everything,” Ron Davis Jr. said.
Davis Jr. is the brother of Jordan Davis, the 17-year-old shot and killed November 23, 2012, on Jacksonville’s Southside. The case made national headlines as Davis had been shot after an argument over loud music.
Davis Jr. was among the dozen or so family members honoring loved ones – victims of gun violence at the sunset service. Latasha Hobbs, mother of Maurice Hobbs, Sissi Sheppard, mother of Keegan Roberts, and Dominic Broadus Sr., father of D.J. Broadus II in attendance as well.
“It’s never going to stop until we make a change,” Davis Jr. said.
An advocate for reform – Davis Jr. added that he is empowered by other families showing support.
James Phillips wiped away tears – his friend Leon Bennett – shot and killed in Jacksonville Beach in June 2018.
“He was a wonderful, wonderful, wonderful person,” Phillips said.
He added that he lives with Bennett’s memory daily – even keeping watch over his family. As for the service, he said survivors have a duty.
“Get the word out and let everyone know this is serious,” Phillips said.