The event was organized by Dion Green, who lost his father Derrick Fudge, a Springfield resident, last August when a gunman opened fire in the Oregon district in Dayton, killing nine people.
Green was joined by two Springfield residents, who have also lost their loved ones to gun violence, in planning the event on Saturday.
Victoria Arnold lost her son Titus Arnold in 2005. He was murdered and robbed by two individuals. Eliza Johnson lost her brother Gary Cameron and cousin Cedric Holt to gun violence.
A number of people who gathered on Saturday shared stories of loss, with the common theme that those loved ones had been victims of senseless acts of violence.
Arnold said it was important to continue to get information out about the impact that gun violence has locally.
Arnold left her job as an admissions officer for Central State University in 2018 to become a victim’s advocate with the Clark County Prosecutor’s Office.
“You might think that your information means absolutely nothing. But let me tell you it is the smallest things that helps to get justice for your family members or friends,” Arnold said.
The event also served as an outlet for others to come together and share their stories with those who understand their pain.
“The reason that I am so passionate is because I lost my father to a senseless act of gun violence. I know others that have lost their loved ones to gun violence and their voices are not being heard,” Green said.
“I want to start bringing a platform and awareness to communities that we need to unite and come together in numbers so we can let our message be heard,” he added.
Green has formed the nonprofit Flourishing Under Distress Given Encouragement, named for his father. It will serve to connect those dealing with trauma to services as well as offer encouragement.
He said the plan is to continue to hold events and continue to raise awareness for victims and their families.
“When I touch one person my job is done. That is what it is about. it is about healing. Those that spoke today were healing,” Green said.
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