Oklahoma City Group Organizes Community Vigil For Recent Acts Of Gun Violence

LiveFree OKC brought together family and friends of those recently killed by gun violence for a vigil on Sunday.

The group met at Kindred Spirits near 23rd Street and Rhode Island Avenue, close to where 46-year-old Eddie Norton was shot and killed at a community event the week before.

Janae Wright, the mother of 16-year-old Cordea Carter, was also in attendance. Carter was killed during a football game at Choctaw High School in August.

“The community itself is grieving and it’s important that we lean on each other because the only way for us to reduce violence, reduce gun violence, is to start with the community and bring the community together," said organizer Jabee Williams.

The group shared personal stories about how gun violence has touched their lives. Some prayed, others sang. But Williams said these events are only one facet of the work involved in reducing community violence.

“The root of it is the lack of so many things that everyday person already has," Williams said. "Whether it’s resources, whether it’s a job, whether it’s money. Oftentimes, you don’t turn to something that can throw your life away if you have everything else you need in your life in place.”

Williams said he hopes to organize future events for families to share their grief and process their shared experiences.