On Jan. 26, 48-year-old Argena Williams was shot in the head at the corner of Taylor Street and Apperson Way during a shooting spree that left one other dead and two more wounded.
But on Sunday, the corner where police say Turama Stitts, 36, carried out a random shooting was transformed from a scene of violence into a place of hope after a crowd marching in the Kokomo Peace Walk occupied the corner to honor the victims of the shootings.
“A lot of tragedy happened on this very corner,” DeAndra Beard, an organizer of the walk, told the large crowd made up of church leaders, concerned citizens, city officials and victims’ family members. “But we’re not going to let this be a memorial to ... violence. This corner will be a place of peace.”
Dozens gathered Sunday to march from North Street to Sycamore Street down Apperson Way to demonstrate against violence in the city and pray for the families of Williams, Miriam Mallory, Ricky Patterson, Taurean Jones and David Gibson, all victims of the shootings that took place within a five-day period.
Erma Pendergrass, a sister to Gibson, who died on Jan. 27, said the recent incidents not only affected victim’s families, but everyone in the community. She said the Peace Walk sends a message that the city will not abide anymore violence.
“We will not stand by and be witnesses to these crimes,” she said. “This is our way to speak out and let the community know that we’re not going to accept this.”
As police officers escorted marchers to the prayer stops on Havens, Taylor and Mulberry streets, many participants held signs, sang hymns and walked hand-in-hand in a display of solidarity.
Prayers were also offered for the shooting suspects and their families. Rev. Louis Parham, a pastor at Wayman Chapel AME Church, said there is still hope for Stitts and the juvenile who police say shot Jones on Jan. 29.
“Lord, we lift up these young men who have fallen short of your glory,” he said. “We know they stand in need of prayer. But we know you are a forgiving God — that you will forgive the repentant heart.”
Beard echoed Parham’s prayer, noting the march was not only about peace, but letting go of any anger toward the suspects.
“Our focus shouldn’t be about hating them or hating their families,” she said. “ ... We have to ask God to help us find forgiveness.”
The Peace Walk ended on Sycamore Street, where Kokomo Mayor Greg Goodnight praised police for their courage and quick response during the shooting incidents. Harry Beard, pastor at City of Refuge Church of God in Christ, offered the closing prayer while participants held hands in a large prayer circle.
DeAndra Beard said although the shootings have shaken the city and tainted its image, the Kokomo Peace Walk was the first step to begin healing and initiate change to make the city a safer place.
“I know that collectively, we can make a difference in this community,” she said. “This community is not lost. It’s not a dark place. ... We will be a community of peace and love and unity, and it starts right here.”
• Carson Gerber, Tribune reporter, may be reached by calling 765-854-6739 or via email at carson.gerber@kokomotribune.com.
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