The law firm John V. Elmore, P.C., sponsored “It’s a Family Affair,” an event in remembrance of Shaquelle “Quelle” Walker Jr.
On Saturday The family-friendly event honored Shaquelle Walker, who, along with three others, was shot on July 5, 2021; he died of his injuries a few days later.
Walker’s death is yet another tragic example of the danger posed by gun violence. Walker, who was 3 years old, was riding his bicycle at the time of the shooting. He and his family had been enjoying a late-night cookout at the Ferry Grider Homes apartment complex and watching a display of fireworks.
“It’s a Family Affair” will took place July 23 at Ferry Grider Homes, 967 East Ferry Street, from 1 to 4 p.m. The family fun day will included food, non-alcoholic beverages, as well as free haircuts for children, provided by Urban Cuts Barber Shop.
Teens from GYC Ministries, along with kids from the first to sixth grade of “Say Yes Buffalo,” teamed up Friday to make posters honoring the memory of Shaquelle Walker Jr.
Those who attended enjoyed DJ-provided music, face painting, a bounce house, a sports card trading table, and a giveaway of clothing and books. In addition, mental health services were provided by the Buffalo Urban League’s Self-Motivation Parents; free tablets were offered to those who qualified ; and education will on the dangers of prescription and non-prescription drugs were also offered.
“We have a lot of problems in the Buffalo minority communities,” said John V. Elmore, Esq. “It imperative for not only our elected officials and community activists to fight to create change, but also our business leaders. My daughter and I are pleased to play a role in honoring the memory of an innocent child whose life was stolen by senseless gun violence.” Elmore is a longtime ally of groups such as the Stop the Violence Coalition and Most Valuable Parents, working to support gun interdiction efforts in order to make our community safer.
“We humbly and sincerely thank businesses and people like John Elmore, attorney at law, for helping us and sponsoring events like this, because they are so needed,” said Mia Ayers- Goss, executive director of Most Valuable Parents. “We can’t forget when a life is lost to gun violence. We don’t just want to talk about the problem, but the solutions.
Events like ‘It’s a Family Affair’ provide a safe space for people to come and talk about their pain, and what we can do to reduce gun violence. It’s vital that we all work together on community education to keep our children safe.”