SU students to host event to honor, remember victims of gun violence

Two Shippensburg University students are coming together to host an event that honors and remembers victims of gun violence.

Aliyah Mensah and Deanna Hatcher created an event called Living Through You, which will be held on Nov. 6 at 6:30 p.m. in front of the Old Main fountain. The event will raise awareness of gun violence and celebrate the lives of those who have been lost because of gun violence. There will also be speakers at the event, a candle-lighting ceremony and balloon release.

Mensah wanted to create an event to honor her cousin who was killed because of gun violence. Because she was so close to her cousin, she also wanted to create the event for people who may be grieving and going through the same type of loss.

Hatcher teamed up with Mensah to create the event after she heard what Mensah was going through. She held a gun violence awareness event in Philadelphia for people ages 13 to 25.

“I just wanted to bring a different outlook on gun violence to colleges,” Hatcher said.

Hatcher hopes that the event lets people know that they do not have to resort to guns to solve a conflict.

“There’s other ways to handle a situation,” Hatcher said.

She also wants the event to show that people can rise above gun violence and empower younger generations to do the right thing.

Mensah’s goal is to not take away anyone’s rights, but to bring awareness and emphasize that the lives that are being taken are someone’s family member.

“I’m also doing this event to bring other students together on campus who are going through the same thing I’m going through and don’t have a support system,” Mensah said.

Hatcher hopes the event will empower students to stay on the right track and be the best they can be.

“Just keep in mind that no one’s judging you for things that you may have done in life. We’re moving forward. We’re trying to bring people together who want to change and make a change,” Mensah said.

Those who attend the event are encouraged to wear red, orange or a shirt with a loved one on it. Anyone with questions can contact Mensah at am4732@ship.edu.