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On June 7, National Gun Violence Awareness Day, a gathering in Fort Worth brought together individuals impacted by gun violence to honor their lost loved ones. Organized by Mothers of Murdered Angels, the event aimed to raise awareness amid recent police data revealing a surge in gun-related incidents.
LaKeisha Mackey bravely shared her story, motivated by her son, Derrick Johnson, who tragically lost his life to gun violence in February 2020 in Grand Prairie.
Recalling the devastating incident at an apartment complex on South Forum Drive, Mackey described how her son succumbed to his injuries before reaching safety. Despite the subsequent arrests and convictions, the trauma persists for Mackey.
“Although he entered this world cradled in my arms, they don’t comprehend the anguish of witnessing him leave this world in the same embrace, nor the ongoing struggle with the pain,” Mackey expressed.
From this anguish arose Mothers of Murdered Angels, conceived by Mackey’s mother, Melinda Hamilton.
Recent data from the Fort Worth Police Department underscores the urgency of addressing gun violence, with eight homicides recorded in the last 30 days, a stark increase from the previous month’s single homicide. Shockingly, five of these homicides occurred within the past ten days.
Mackey emphasized the necessity for action, declaring, “Enough is enough.” Determined to forge a lasting impact, she affirmed their commitment to continue the fight and leave a legacy for future generations.