Peace Walk Saturday in Lexington

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ) – The Antonio Franklin Jr. Violence Intervention Program (VIP) will hold its annual Peace Walk in Duncan Park in Lexington Saturday, July 22, 2017.

The Antonio Franklin Jr. VIP Project was created in 2014 by Anita Franklin, the mother of Antonio Franklin Jr., a young man who lost his life to a random act of gun violence while visiting Duncan Park. Ms. Franklin has turned the tragedy her family faced into action, presenting her family’s story to our community.

“My family experienced a loss to gun violence. Our response to this tragedy was to create a project filled with positive conversations and actions, and the Peace Walk is one of these projects. This was a tragic event but with faith triumph will prevail to stop the violence,” says Franklin.

The theme for this year’s Peace Walk is “Unsung Heroes.” Ms. Franklin has chosen to highlight the individuals and victims’ families who have stood with her in her times of need. The entire community is invited. There will be a petting zoo, pony rides, and a snow cone truck beginning at 5:00 PM. All are invited to participate in a Mannequin Challenge at 5:45 PM.

Dr. C.B. Akins, Sr., of First Baptist Church Bracktown, will lead a community prayer to begin the Peace Walk at 6:00 PM. The Peace Walk is sure to create a lasting impression on all who attend, showing that together we can stop the violence.