A Legacy of Love and Unity
LEXINGTON, Ky. (WKYT) – On Saturday, the 12th annual Antonio Franklin VIP Peace Walk took place at Duncan Park, a powerful event aimed at remembering those who have been lost to gun violence. The walk brought together a large crowd, all walking a mile in solidarity with the goal of ending gun violence in their community.
Participants in the walk have personal connections to the issue, many having lost someone they loved to gun violence. Along the playground, photos of these loved ones are displayed, capturing the faces of mothers, brothers, sisters, sons, and grandchildren. These images serve as a reminder of the lives that have been affected by this ongoing crisis.
One of the names shared during the event was Tyler Williams, who was murdered in 2017 right on the same street where the walk took place. Another was Jermaine, known to many as “Big Hungry,” who was shot and killed on September 29, 2009. The voice of a grieving mother shared the name of Juan Angel Martinez Bustos, another victim of gun violence.
These stories are told by grieving mothers and grandmothers, each one adding to the emotional weight of the event.
Voices for Change
Before the walk began, local officials, organizers, and survivors took to the stage to speak about the impact of gun violence and the need for change. One of the speakers was Tamara Coleman, who lost her 22-year-old daughter and unborn grandson in 2016.
“I wish that none of us were standing here. And I don’t want anybody else to have to stand here,” she said, expressing the deep pain that many in the community feel.
Lexington Police Chief Lawrence Weathers also addressed the crowd, urging them to take action and be there for each other before incidents occur.
“Let’s act. Let’s be. Be there for each other, be there before it happens,” he said, emphasizing the importance of community support and intervention.
A Personal Mission
For Ricardo Franklin, the organizer and Community Outreach Coordinator at the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office, the mission to end gun violence is deeply personal. His mother, Anita, started the Peace Walk after his brother, Antonio, died at just 21 years old. Antonio was shot by a stray bullet at Duncan Park, an event that led to the creation of this annual tribute.
Since his death, the event has become a way for many to honor their lost loved ones and find strength in unity. Ricardo described the event as “about walking together in unity,” highlighting the power of collective action and remembrance.
After Anita passed away in 2020, Ricardo continued to carry on both of their legacies. He expressed his belief that his mother would be proud of how the event has grown over the years.
“I think she’d be so proud of the way this event has turned out,” he said, reflecting on the impact of their work and the ongoing commitment to creating a safer future for all.
