LEXINGTON, Ky. — Amid Lexington’s ongoing violence surge, the Fayette county sheriff’s department and local organization “We are Survivors” honored National Remembrance Day, recognizing Kentuckians who have died to gun violence. 

Ricardo Franklin continued his mother’s—Lexington’s late gun violence prevention activist Anita Franklin’s—efforts with the “Walk a Mile in our Shoes” event. 

Ricardo Franklin says he hopes to one day pass the leadership and violence prevention torch as his mother Anita Franklin did to him. (Spectrum News 1/Sabriel Metcalf)

From matriarchs to siblings, families rallied along the steps of Lexington’s historical courthouse, alongside some of the last pairs of shoes worn by victims of shootings and other violent crimes.

The memorials comprised special pairs of the victim’s sneakers or boots and photos of them and their families. 

Franklin said though it feels good to help promote change, the group is not looking to increase numbers. 

“It’s a little bittersweet because you don’t want to add to this group at all, but it’s something that we want survivors in the community to know that they do have a home and that they will have people to talk to and to reach out and vent to,” Franklin said. “I think that’s the most important thing about it.”

Deana Mullins, the event organizer of “We are Survivors” Lexington who lost her son Sean nearly five years ago, got her start with the help of Anita Franklin herself. 

Deana Mullins and her daughter Shelby Howard show their tattoo's dedicated to their loved one Sean who passed away August 5th, 2017. (Spectrum News 1/Sabriel Metcalf)

After the increase in violent crimes in Lexington, Mullins said the memorials help bring focus back on the lives that have been lost. She’s teaching her kids to be prepared. 

“Unfortunately, I’ve had to train my kids if you hear or see, you get out as fast. If there is a way, you find a hiding spot, you do what you can to get away,” she said.

Mothers, fathers, grandmothers and partners spoke to the crowd about the hardships of losing the victims to such a tragedy. Several parents said the case of their child’s murder remains unresolved. 

Franklin says he and We are Survivors want to continue being the safety unit for grieving families while showing others how to be a companion for those healing.

“How can I set someone that’s coming up just like me when I was 14, 15 years old who can be put into this situation who can carry it on long after me, like my mom was doing? I think she touched so many people in the community and I think that’s what she intended to do,” Franklin said.

Concluding the event, 7-year-old Heavenleigh “Star Bookie” Hymon performed her song “Put the Guns Down” with lyrics centered on the reality of gun violence.

On Friday, Sept. 30, the organizations will host a block party at Lexington’s Charles Young Center helping the community spread awareness through a fun-filled safe gathering.