Dozens Gather for the 10th Annual Antonio Franklin Jr. Peace Walk

In Lexington, Ky, a crowd gathered on a sunny Saturday afternoon to participate in the 10th Antonio Franklin Jr. Peace Walk. The event, which took place at Duncan Park, aims to raise awareness and advocate against the scourge of gun violence that has impacted many families within the community.

The Inspiration Behind the Peace Walk

10 years ago, on April 14, 2014, Antonio Franklin Jr. tragically lost his life to gun violence while visiting Duncan Park. His death, an act of unprovoked violence, sent ripples through the community, ultimately sparking a call to action. 10 days later, Anita Franklin, Antonio’s grieving mother, organized the first Antonio Franklin Jr. Peace Walk, a community-driven event designed to raise awareness about the looming issue of gun violence in Lexington.

Remembering the Lost

Over the years, the Peace Walk has become a communal space for many who have lost loved ones to gun violence. An array of emotional stories filled the air, as participants remembered the individuals whose lives were prematurely ended. One of the participants, Ricardo Franklin, brother of the late Antonio Franklin Jr., has taken over the organization of peace walks since the passing of his mother in 2020.

Shawnda Snow, another attendee making her first appearance at the peace walk, shared a heartrending account of her son Christopher’s death in 2018. Christopher, a loving father of two who wore his heart on his sleeve, was cruelly taken from his family at only 32.

Hope for a Violence-free Future

During the event, numerous organizations set up stalls, distributing valuable information to attendees, spreading messages of hope, and providing resources on how to cope with loss. The Walk culminated in a unifying march, the crowd making their way through the very streets where many victims, like Antonio and Christopher, fell.

Shawnda Snow, amidst cheering and lyric chants, expressed her commitment to finding justice for her son, saying, “I’ve got to stand up for my son. He’s not here, and I need to walk these streets to get justice for him.”

The Impact of the Peace Walk

The 10th annual Antonio Franklin Jr. Peace Walk serves as an impactful reminder of the ongoing issue of gun violence. This event emphasizes the importance of unified communities standing up against cruelty, advocating for justice for victims, and spreading the message of peace.

Organizations such as “We are Survivors” are urging people in Fayette County who have lost someone to gun violence to reach out to the local Sheriff’s Office for support, highlighting that a collective and communal approach is key to fostering a safer community.

As the tenth annual Peace Walk came to its poignant conclusion, the enduring message was clear: the fight against gun violence in Lexington, and indeed nation-wide, will continue undeterred, strengthened by the unwavering resolve of those left behind.