FAIRMONT, NC (WBTW) – A “Stop the Violence” community rally was held in the town of Fairmont Sunday afternoon.
Family members of shooting victims wore shirts with pictures of those who lost their life to violence.
“I am fired up about it today because too many young people… mothers should not be burying their children so early in life. They should have a chance to live,” said NC House of Representatives Garland Pierce.
Stories like what happened to these families is also the reason elected officials, law enforcement, and community members came together.
It’s a message Wardell and Joanne Williams listens to with a heavy heart after their nephew 23 year-old Derion (DJ) Hinson died after being shot at a convenience store in Fairmont last month.
“They shot him and nobody came forward after shooting him or nothing,” mentioned Joanne Williams.
It was an uplifting ceremony to remember lives that were lost to violence and to also talk about how to get the problem under control.
“I wasn’t looking for this many people to come out and actually come out together like this right here with no violence is a plus for me,” Laron Collins said.
The event was also a plus for 11 year-old Jada Moore who lost her cousin Kendrick because of gun violence.
“I just want them to stop doing it because we can come together and talk about it and just compromise with what’s going on,” said Moore.
While hoping to unite as a community.
The event is sponsored by LaShawna Watson, Fairmont Commissioner Monte McCallum, Fairmont Mayor Charles Townsend and Robeson County Commissioner Berlester Campbell.
The town of Fairmont will hold a community meeting on June 19 at the Heritage Center on Main Street in Fairmont.
