NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) – During the month of June, several organizations are hosting events to prevent gun violence.
Stop the Violence 757 held a “Bike Ride to End Gun Violence” Saturday morning in Norfolk. This marks the second ride of the month, following a bike ride last weekend in Portsmouth.
“The movement is to help end gun violence and help keep the city safe,” said DJ Bee, the owner of Freshtopia. “It warms my heart that people out here in the 757 care.”
A large group of supporters are riding in solidarity with Monica Aktins, the Stop the Violence 757 Executive Director. Atkins created this nonprofit to nearly a decade ago to honor her late son.
“People are showing up…that means they want to be a part of a movement to stand for something,” said Aktins.
DJ Bee adding, “I don’t want to slow it down. We want to stop it. We want to stop it completely. Put the guns down. If you see something, say something just to spread the word.”
All month, a billboard on Church Street in Portsmouth will display loved who are ones no longer here.
“It is a statement piece. As you’re riding down the street…if you know you are part of something that you shouldn’t be it is a reality check. I don’t want to see myself on a billboard,” said Atkins.
Stop the Violence 757 hosts bike ride and pinwheel
The group is also giving out orange pinwheels to honor those lives lost.
‘It’s just going to take us doing something about it. It’s easy for me to sit [in front of] a TV and say you want it violence to stop, but you have to be proactive. You’ve got to be [part] of the change, because it’s going to take change to stop the violence.
Atkins adds, “Get involved. If it’s not my organization, just get involved with any type of organization. We need everybody on the same path.
TEENS WITH A PURPOSE
Teens With a Purpose is hosting the ‘Hope Chasers Wear Orange event Saturday, June.
The Teen-Led event is at Purpose Park at 801 Church Street from noon to 2 p.m.
Attendees are invited to wear orange in remembrance of those killed by gun violence.
A press release states, “It is their hope that these deaths are not in vain and that their efforts will comfort the families, the community and spark change that helps to end gun violence.”
