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Well over 150 people came together on Saturday (Mar. 8) in a show of unity to pay homage to Sha’Mari Parker, a victim of gun violence on Jan. 7.

A Walk of Peace began at the corner of Bridge and Martin Luther King Avenue. It proceeded to the corner of Bonner and Martin Luther King Avenue as the “no more violence” and “enough is enough” chants echoed through the air. It was at that corner that officers with the Washington Police Department and Washington Fire Rescue found 20-year-old Parker in his wrecked car, suffering from a gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Event organizers Yusheika Parker, Parker’s stepmother, and Kelvin Parker, his father, expressed their gratitude for all of those who came out in support of the cause.

“We believe that one person lost to gun violence is one too many,” said Yusheika. “We want to help our community and stop another child and their family from having to go through the same thing.”

Yusheika added that they hope to start a nonprofit named Mari’s Way. “He was a determined, humble, resilient, and self-motivated young man,” she said. “We hope to instill that into other kids in our community.”

“We have to bring awareness to our youth,” said Kelvin. “The message is ‘put the guns down’ and ‘enough is enough.’ It may not help everybody, but if it can change just one person, then we did our job.”

Also in attendance was Parker’s mother, Courtney Woolard. “This day is bittersweet for me,” said Woolard. “It means a lot to see so many people who have come out and who care. But at the same time, it takes me back to that day. This is the beginning of trying to bring about more awareness to gun violence, and I pray that it does. These kids need help and encouragement to keep going, and it is going to take the whole community to make it happen.”

Quamir Razor,17, has been charged with murder and armed robbery in connection with the case and remains at large.  Zaydrian Starkie, 17, was also charged with murder and armed robbery and remains in custody.