#DayOfRemembrance - Last Monday, community members gathered to remember those we’ve lost during the City of Seattle and the Alliance for Gun Responsibility One Seattle Day of Remembrance event at the First African Methodist Episcopal Church on Capitol Hill in Seattle. It was a somber and reflective day featuring a memorial as well as a look at the work different organizations and individuals are doing throughout the community to end the epidemic of violence.

Our camera crew was there to capture the emotions and moments and uplift what was a truly special evening, which included spoken word, prayer, speeches and a panel which featured survivors, family members, and organizers. Our Community Queen Trae Holiday also interviewed Audrey Jackson, the mother of late rapper Pop Smoke.

“What are we doing with the energy and the light, and with the joy of knowing that we gave birth and had that for a little bit,” Jackson asked the crowd. “Strength for me is the fact that I wake up every day and I gotta figure it out one day at a time. You don’t owe anybody stoic - it’s going to be okay and things like this give us permission to be alright with where we are right now.”

During the panel, speakers discussed actions that can be taken to end gun violence and worked towards community-based goals. 

Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell said that for him the day was a reminder of the work that still needs to be done, and it was impactful to see the faces of the families of those who have been killed. 

“We’re bringing community together to honor those we’ve lost,” Harrell said. 

You can watch the replay of the event at the link in our bio, and find more at https://www.whereweconverge.com/seattle-day-of-remembrance

Tune into #Back2Besa on @fox13seattle every Saturday at 10:30 pm and stream the replay on FOX 13+ Sunday at 10 am for more uplifting and beautiful stories like this.