LEXINGTON, Ky. — Families in Lexington who lost loved ones to gun violence are highlighting the footprints they leave behind.
Tiffany Clark is the mother of twins — a duo who recently had their 24th birthday. For another year, she is bringing a single pair of her son’s shoes to the historic courthouse steps in Lexington.
Her son, 20-year-old Zion Clark, was killed three years ago in a shooting on Second Street. She says she remembers every detail of the Sunday she learned of the situation. She says managing mental health awareness has been a concern.
The incident was at the height of the pandemic, in which safety protocols made her last moments with her child undeniably difficult. “To be in the emergency room by myself and my kids had to stay outside for them to announce my son was deceased,” Clark explained.
She says Zion had plans for success in life. She and other parents are now sharing their stories and what it meant to walk a mile in the shoes of lives cut short due to gun violence and tragedy.
Fayette County Sheriff’s Department’s Ricardo Franklin says these stories have to be heard, but seeing their shoes shows the impact that person had in someone’s life.
“These are real human beings that are no longer here with us. They’re leaving behind a life of people they loved, family, friends. There is more than just a headline, this was someone who was loved,” Franklin said.
Recently, Lexington experienced four gun-related homicides. Calls for justice and witnesses to come forward are becoming a common goal for these families. Clark’s case is among 8 gun-related homicides still unsolved from 2020. Clark says she trusts her son’s justice will come, but for now, he remains forever 20 in their hearts.
“I know that my son lived to see 20 years, and I was a part of that journey. And the love that we have, it’s okay. Because he’s not suffering anymore.” Clark said.