New year, new hopes for peace in LR
Posted on Sunday, January 4, 2009
The 39 white crosses represent 38 people killed in Little Rock in 2008 and Kamya Weathersby, a little girl killed in December 2007 while in bed, a spokesman for Stop the Violence said Saturday.
Members of the group's Little Rock and Stuttgart chapters gathered Saturday at Daisy L. Gatson Bates Drive and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard to remove the crosses and mark the beginning of 2009.
Earnest Franklin, spokesman for the group, said a permanent marker will be placed to honor Kamya. The girl was 6 when Kevin Lawrence Banks opened fire on her family's home, striking her while she slept. Banks was convicted of capital murder in September.
Banks' half-brothers, Ricky Dale Smith and Marqus Tyrell Smith, also face trials on charges of capital murder and committing a terroristic act in the girl's killing.
"Kamya was an innocent child," Franklin said. "The plaque will send a message to the world."
Franklin said the plaque hadn't arrived, but he held a makeshift cardboard placard with the words: "In Memory of Kamya Weathersby. Help Save the Children from Violence."
Kamya's mother, Lashandria Washington, was unable to attend the vigil, Franklin said.
Robert "Say" McIntosh, founder of Stop the Violence, sat nearby as volunteers released several balloons on the breezy but warm afternoon. McIntosh said his prayer is that people will turn from guns and turn to God.
"It's time for us to start loving each other and caring for each other," he said.
Franklin said he was especially thankful for Little Rock's policemen, doctors, nurses and teachers, people who deter crimes, treat victims and educate youths on dangers and circumstances.
Mia Smith of Stuttgart joined the group. Smith said her husband, Deontrae Smith, was shot and killed in Stuttgart late last year and she wanted to offer support to the group that comforted her.
Smith attended with her stepchildren, Demontrae Smith, 3, Deontria Smith, 3, Demarius Fitzpatrick, 4, and Jabarree Smith, 3; and her cousin Nicole Scales.
As the children waited to play with balloons that had been tied to the crosses for release after the ceremony, the women discussed Stop the Violence.
The group seeks to decrease violent crime and provides support for victims of violent crimes.
"We're really thankful for what they have done," Scales said. "They were very helpful and supportive in helping Mia cope."
Mia Smith said she was pleasantly surprised by the group's genuine concern.
"They came to Stuttgart the day after he was killed," she said. "We marched and we had prayer. They stayed in touch with me and everything. I wasn't expecting it, but I want to thank them for everything they did."
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