Grand Rapids community members joined together yesterday to honor over 150 victims of violent crime. In an event held at the 63rd District Court in Grand Rapids Township, Silent Observer and the Kent County Victim Witness Unit hosted a candlelight and prayer vigil, providing a space for reflection and remembrance. "It's a chance to understand the impact, right? These aren't just situations you see in the news. These aren't things that just last and remain for one night. They're the families that are impacted by it. It's our community that's impacted by it," Alex Corbin, Silent Observer chairperson, stated, as reported by FOX17.
Mothers like Jerline Riley and Jacqueline Kelly returning annually to remember their sons. In a FOX17 interview, Riley said, "It hurts so bad to know, even today, that I got to go home without him." Her son, Jeffrey, was just 16 when his life was tragically cut short. Kelly, whose son Kwazē was murdered 25 years ago, continues to seek justice: "You know, they took a very, a very powerful soul away from us, and this case still isn't solved after 25 years, and I ask anybody, if you know anything, please come forth and help us."
During the vigil, each victim's name was recited, coupling their memory with the sounding of a bell. National Crime Victims' Rights Week, during which the vigil is held, seeks to offer solace to the survivors and encourage community participation in solving crimes. "By remembering every year, the names and the people, it empowers and encourages others to report and be a part of solving the crime within our community," Corbin recounted to WZZM 13.
Sheila Hall, who lost her son to gun violence, shared with WOOD TV her experience of kinship at the vigil. "It's very important just to come out and share and be among the same people who have experienced or are experiencing what you are experiencing," she said. The goal is to not only commemorate the lives lost but also to strongly advocate to put an end to the violence that shatters families. Diana Garcia, grieving the death of her granddaughter, added, "Put the guns down, you might have a little spat or argument, but it doesn’t mean that we should take it and destroy or take away a life."
In response to the ongoing challenge of violent crime, The Grand Rapids Police Department's Victim Services Unit has planned an educational event titled "Option and Rights of Crime Victims" for the public, hoping to spread awareness about the civil and judicial avenues available to those affected. The event takes place today from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the police department, as noted by WOOD TV.
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