Local organization launches campaign to honor child victims of gun violence

MOBILE, Alas. (VALA) – Men United Against Violence launched its fall “Remember Their Names” campaign to raise awareness of the tragic impact of gun violence in Mobile and honor the lives of five young victims. The centerpiece of this campaign is a billboard on Moffett Road featuring the names of these children.

The youngest victim mentioned is 9-year-old Kaylee Knight, who was killed while sleeping on a couch last year. Other names include 14-year-old Ciara Jackson, who was shot while riding in a car with friends in 2022, 16-year-old Jacobi Freeman, who was killed along with his best friend, 19-year-old Cameron Montgomery and 17-year-old Ahmond Ervin.

The campaign includes a rally planned at the billboard site where community members will gather and call for a safer future.

“We just want to bring attention to the victims of senseless urban terrorist gun violence so they are not forgotten,” said Sgt. John Young, one of the founders of the organization. “We contacted the parents, and these five parents were flattered that someone remembered their children…”

The exhibit also mentions 11-year-old Lequinten Morrissette, who was shot and killed when gunfire erupted at his family’s Taylor Plaza RV home in 2022. His mother says seeing the billboard melts her heart, calling it a sign of peace to ensure these young victims are not forgotten.

“And one more thing: these are five black children, and the suspects arrested were black men,” said Sgt. Young adds.

In addition to the rally, Sgt. Young hopes the campaign will lead to legislative changes, such as making Glock switches illegal in Alabama and limiting bail for shooters who wound children.

“If we cannot protect the most vulnerable and innocent people in our city, then what is our purpose? What’s our plan?

The billboard rally date will be announced soon.