Davidson Local publishes an article covering the proclamation presented by Mayor Jason Hayes in recognition of National Gun Violence Awareness Month to JLD Community Solutions President, Angela McDuffie, and Co-Founder and Executive Director, Dia Nyarko. The acticle also covers the proclamation presented by Governor Roy Cooper recognizing June 3 as National Gun Violence Awareness Day and the high priority he is placing on funding for violence prevention.

Davidson Local publishes an article covering JLD Community Solutions' 2nd annual gun violence awareness event.

Smoke & Oak partners with Garrett Holloway, participant in JLD Community Soltions' "Men of Valor Christmas Ball", to faise funds in support of the organization.

FOX8 WGHP news coverage.

“We want to be a voice of reason that you can truly make a difference choice,” Nyarko said. “We can handle conflict in a different way, that there may be other issues involved causing you to be on the verge of making a bad decision. ... We want to promote mental health and allow others to share their stories, because ours is not the only one.”

Lexington Police Chief Robby Rummage said that he couldn’t be more pleased by this community-led event.

Our story, along with those of other survivors of gun violence, help lift up survivor stories and shine a spotlight on the countless ways gun violence affects the lives of Americans.

More than sixty guests gathered for the first annual Johnny Leroy “Lee Lee” Dawkins Scholarship “Where They Are Now” gala on Sunday, December 11 at Lexington’s Edward C. Smith Civic Center. The event and silent auction served as a fundraiser for the scholarship fund that began 11 years ago after Johnny Leroy Dawkins Jr. was tragically killed in gun violence. Click the link to read more.

“We cannot say thank you enough to our family, friends and the community who believe in what we’re doing and have chosen to support. We’re also very proud of our scholarship recipients and their amazing accomplishments. We are excited for the future of the scholarship fund and it’s endeavors,” said Dia Nyarko, co-founder

“I think he would’ve found a way to make an impact in the community,” Nyarko stated. “Whether or not it would have been through scholarship, I’m not sure. But I know making a positive impact in some type of way was important to him.”

I’m sure most, if not all, of us have experienced the loss of a loved one. My mom and I are no different. February 1st, 2008, my brother – Johnny Leroy Dawkins, Jr. – turned 25 years old. While we sent our birthday wishes and celebrated his day, there was no way of knowing this would be the last birthday we would celebrate with him here with us physically. On July 26th, 2008 – only five, almost six, months later – my brother’s life was abruptly and tragically taken as a result of gun violence.