Crowd at candlelight vigil makes plea for peace

BRADENTON — Tears rolled down Tytiki Washington’s cheeks as she stared ahead thronged by reporters and cameras Thursday afternoon.

Washington’s 18-year-old son, DeJuan Williams, was shot and killed in her backyard Aug. 4.

She stood outside St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church, 525 Ninth Ave. E., with others hoping to bring more awareness to the shootings that continue to plague the county.

People gathered for a crime walk and can- dle light vigil hosted by Rogers Project Hope, Inc. in hopes of heal- ing trying to make sense of the violence.

Washington and others slowly continue to heal.

People bowed their heads in prayer asking God for answers and guidance.

“Back when I was growing up, there wasn’t all the shootings going on throughout the county,” Washington said. “The kids are thinking that’s the way to be a man. That’s a coward.”

The same morning, Manatee County Sheriff’s Office deputies investigated the 27th homicide in the county after 21-year-old Julius Brown was shot to death in his sleep in a residence in the Memphis area.

As of Thursday night, no one was charged with Brown’s murder. Authorities believe the murder was planned.

Approximately 50 community members began marching at Triumph the Church and Kingdom of God in Christ, 611 13th Ave. E., and made their way to St. Paul Missionary Baptist.

Some walkers were family members of victims, while others were residents outraged by the killings.

“Stop the violence,” some people chanted as they walked down 13th Avenue East.

A row of 11- and 12-year-old boys lined a chain link fence as the group emerged.

Small hands held up football helmets while others clutched thin lit candles.

The Police Athletic League Panther football practice had come to a halt.

“They need to know what’s going on around here. We have too much violence and shootings,” said Coach Dwayne Blue standing among about 25 boys.

“We hope they go the right way.”

Many parents have been asked to take a more active role in their children’s lives by community leaders.

But even the adults struggle to understand what’s going on and why blood continues to be shed.

“We need to know why this is happening. What is causing this?” said Minnie Flax, 43, of Bradenton. “It’s senseless. These kids don’t even get to graduate before they see death.”

Aretha James lost her granddaughter, 17-year-old Jasmine Thompson, Sept. 4 in a shooting about 30 minutes after a high school football game outside of Southeast High School.

“I was told (the shooter) was a nice young man,” she said. “Something happened outside of that. I pray for him and everyone else who lost a loved one.”

Other community events are planned to address violence in the community:

n A community discussion on violence in neighborhoods is scheduled from 12:30 to 3 p.m. Saturday at Johnson Middle School, 2121 26th Ave. E., Bradenton, hosted by Manatee County Commission Chairwoman Gwen Brown and Manatee County School Board member Barbara Harvey.

n Manatee County Sheriff’s Office will host a gun buyback from 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday at the sheriff’s office, 600 301 Blvd. W., Bradenton.

In exchange for working firearms, participants will receive $50 for a revolver and $100 for a rifle. No questions will be asked.

n The NAACP Youth Council is leading a unity walk at 6 p.m. Tuesday at the Police Athletic League, 202 13th Ave. E., Bradenton, and ending at Rogers Elementary School, 515 13th Ave. W. with a discussion to follow.