JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Nearly two years after a tragic shooting at the Dollar General on Kings Road claimed three lives, the city of Jacksonville and several community organizations commemorated the victims and survivors by unveiling new memorials.
On August 26, 2023, Angela Carr, A.J. Laguerre Jr. and Jerald Gallion were shot and killed in the racially-motivated shooting that the Federal Bureau of Investigation declared a hate crime.
It was a shooting that left a stain of emotion and heartbreak throughout the Jacksonville community.
Over 100 people gathered on Sunday at King’s Road Memorial Park, where the plaques that were placed on three trees to remember Carr, Laguerre and Gallion were revealed, and a new bench for the survivors was unveiled.
“Having this memorial here brings tribute to their families and pays homage to them by having these trees of life and a bench here that they can come that is apart of our history and apart of district 10,” Pittman said.
MORE: Historic marker to honor victims of racist Dollar General attack to be unveiled during ceremony
Watch the full ceremony below:
Mayor Donna Deegan, Councilwoman Ju’Coby Pittman, and Sheriff T.K. Waters, along with other organizations, were in attendance.
Pittman said coming together to hold the memorial ceremony is one way to help the community continue to heal.
“It shows a solidarity,” Pittman said. “I wouldn’t say celebrate, but to memorialize and let the family know that we’re not going to forget you. I think because of the dark day that is coming up, which is the 26th, it kind of helps them maybe prepare,” Pittman said.
Pittman wanted the park, bench and other memorials to serve as a reminder of love and remembrance.