Candlelight Vigil and Balloon Release for Shamoya McKenzie

Mayor Richard Thomas spoke at a candlelight vigil and balloon release on Monday, December 31, 2018 honoring the life and memory of Shamoya McKenzie and other youths lost to gang and gun violence. Thirteen year old Shamoya McKenzie was killed by a stray bullet on New Year’s Eve on Dec. 31, 2016 by gang members. McKenzie had a promising future which included the hope of starting the high school basketball team and playing professionally before starting her one business.

“Two years after Shamoya’s death, the sting does not fade,” Mayor Thomas said. “But her heart, mind and memories give us purpose. Her life has meaning because of the beautiful person she was. And, there is a deeper legacy as well. As long as the memory of Shamoya McKenzie is alive, the world will know that goodness and grace will never yield to evil. Our job is to never let her life fade from view.”

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