Stop Gun Violence event planned in the North

The 6-year-old was shot and killed in a drive-by shooting while sitting on the couch in his family’s home, just six days before his graduation.

Courtney Hunter, Winston’s mother, is hosting the second annual Stop the Gun Violence parade and program in downtown North this Saturday, May 11, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

She works to “raise awareness in the community to lay down their weapons to prevent even more families” from grieving their loved ones killed by gun violence.

The parade and program not only honor Winston’s life, but also those of others who have been killed by gun violence. The purpose of the parade is also to denounce gun violence.

The parade lineup begins at 9 a.m. in a field near the former Piggly Wiggly at 314 Main Street W.

The parade will begin at 10 a.m. and proceed down Main Street.

A short program, lasting about an hour or less, should begin around 11:30 a.m.

The program will include a “Say Their Name” ceremony and balloon release.

The event is free, but food vendors and retailers will be selling items.

Hunter said a “walk of memory” will also be displayed, honoring nearly 30 people who have died due to gun violence.

Winston Hunter died on May 13, 2022 at the family home in Woodford, not far from North.

He, his parents and his brother had just returned from a family reunion when they heard gunshots outside at 11:35 p.m.

Bullets entered the house. One of them hit Winston. He died moments later.

No one else in the house was physically injured.

Over three weeks, authorities arrested four suspects who were in the car at the time of the shooting.

Two of those suspects pleaded guilty to Winston’s murder and are currently serving life sentences. Charges against the other two suspects are pending.