Families, advocates gather in Columbus to remember lives lost to gun violence
Community members, advocates, faith leaders, and families impacted by gun violence gathered Friday evening at Toni J Laundry on Fort Benning Road for a candlelight vigil honoring victims of gun violence and promoting healing throughout the community.
The event, held in recognition of National Gun Violence Awareness Month and Wear Orange Day, was organized with support from community groups including Indivisible Columbus, Indivisible Phenix City, Moms Demand Action, and Everytown for Gun Safety.
Attendees dressed in orange, shared stories of loved ones lost to violence, and stood together in a call for safer communities and greater awareness.
Dr. Jaketra Bryant told the crowd that gun violence continues to affect families across the Chattahoochee Valley through homicides, suicides, and accidental shootings involving children.
“Today specifically is Wear Orange Day,” Bryant said. “Organizations across the country are pushing for more gun safety, and I wanted to make sure that because Muscogee County carries such high numbers of crimes and deaths related to guns, that we’re having these conversations.”
Bryant also announced a new city proclamation recognizing June 21 as “National Asking Saves Kids Day” in Columbus, encouraging parents and families to ask about firearm safety practices in homes where children may visit.
“It’s where you ask, are there guns in a home? Are there safety locks? Are there secure things so that we can stop our kids from taking guns to school,” Bryant said. “So now Columbus, Georgia, will have its national day on June 21. That proclamation got passed, and I’m super excited about that.”
The vigil was hosted at Toni J Laundry, a business founded by DeAndre Johnson in honor of his mother, Juantonja “Tonja” Richmond, who was killed in a double homicide in Columbus three years ago.
Johnson became emotional as he reflected on his mother’s life and legacy.
“My mother is the reason I opened the laundromat,” Johnson said. “She is the face in the logo. She is the name on the wall.”
He described the pain of losing his mother to gun violence after she had overcome numerous challenges throughout her life, including military service, poverty, single parenthood, and multiple sclerosis.
“For a gun to be the thing that takes my mother from me after everything she overcame, it’s just an honor to be able to have something that can go on for generations,” Johnson said.
Johnson also shared a deeply personal connection between loss and new life. His daughter, who carries his mother’s name, was born on the same date his mother was killed.
“My daughter was born on the day I lost my mother,” he said. “So the day that was sad for my mom is now happy for my child. One generation gone, but the next one welcomed in.”
Community leader Amy Brown encouraged attendees to recognize the collective impact gun violence has had on families throughout the area.
“I think we’ve all been touched by gun violence,” Brown said. “My kids are hurting, and I suspect we’re not alone. In fact, I know we’re not alone.”
Brown spoke about the emotional toll gun violence and the fear of school shootings have had on children and families.
“There’s power in us being out here. There’s power in asking questions. There’s power in discussion,” Brown said. “I don’t know the answer. I don’t know that anybody has a single answer. But I know that the solution starts with community.”
Throughout the evening, participants lit candles, wrote the names of loved ones lost to violence, and shared moments of reflection and remembrance.
Organizers said the vigil was intended to provide a space for healing while honoring victims and supporting surviving families. As darkness fell, attendees stood together in a show of unity and a shared commitment to reducing violence in the community.
Community leader Chris Kelley also addressed the crowd during the event, emphasizing the importance of continued engagement and community involvement in efforts to address gun violence.
The evening concluded with a renewed call for awareness, support for impacted families, and ongoing conversations aimed at building safer neighborhoods throughout the Chattahoochee Valley.
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