JEANERETTE, La. (KLFY) — In recognition of National Gun Violence Awareness Month, the city of Jeanerette hosted a walk and community festival.

Families affected by gun violence walked 1.7 miles while chanting the words “stop gun violence.”

Ashly Drexler and Demetra Smith, members of the Forever Oshaun Foundation, organized the event as a way to help people cope with the grief of losing a loved one to gun violence.

The foundation was created after Smith’s son, 22-year-old Oshaun Smith, was killed in a shooting in Jeanerette in February.

After the walk, families gathered for a community festival that offered food, games and valuable resources, such as mentorship opportunities, aimed at supporting those in need of guidance and connection. Smith says they are working to put a stop to gun violence, something she says has occurred in their city for far too long.

“We just want them to know that there are other ways to end things besides just fighting,” said Smith. “Talk it out instead of using other outlets, instead of using guns.”

According to Drexler, nearly 300 people signed up for the event to spread awareness about victims of gun violence.

“We got the foundation up and running,” said Drexler. “April 1 registration opened, I as the president was expecting 75 people, my aunt was expecting about 100, as of May 23 when registration closed, we had 264 registrants paid.”

Drexler says she hopes the event shows the youth that adults can come together peacefully. She also hopes this inspires them to become a force for good in their own communities.

“If the young people see that adults can come together, maybe one day they’ll realize that it’s not always conflict, and they can come together as well and be a positive influence in the community,” said Drexler.

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