DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) — One too many families can say they have lost a loved one to gun violence.
On Saturday, these families demanded change and celebrated the lives of the ones they lost at the 2025 Honoring Our Loved Ones Who Departed From Gun Violence Gala.
"Just put the guns down," Kteriona Thomas said.
Melinda Thomas is the organizer of the gala. Her son, Karlondous Dusaint Thomas Jr., was killed at 19-years-old in a 2023 double homicide.
Kteriona is his older sister. She said the two were like peas and carrots. On a day they dread to remember, Kteriona called her mother and could not find a way to say her son was killed.
As time passes, they grieve daily, but Melinda said this event was placed in her spirit that she had to bring it to life.
"I have started my healing process, but this [the gala] helps with the healing," Melinda said.
Similar to this family, Antwan McClelland lost two sons only a year apart to gun violence. The legacies of his sons live on through his grandchildren, where he is determined to be an active grandparent.
McClelland works with children in the Decatur Public School System, one of the ways he copes with his loss. Additionally, he mentors young men away from the path of gun violence through his organization, Connect with Young Men, Empowering Mentor Group.
"I do my part in the community to help young men, I stay busy and keep my faith in God because without God, I don't know where I'd be," said McClelland.
Including a fellowship dinner, a live jazz and paint tribute and reflections from grieving families, the gala had many wanting more community events surrounding anti-gun violence.
This was the first event of what could be many for Melinda Thomas. The 2nd Annual Sons and Daughters in Heaven Gala will be in Urbana, IL on Sunday, September 28th.
"Events like these just bring awareness because it is hard and it is not fair to lose someone you love to violence. The pain never goes away," said Kteriona Thomas.
For more information on the gala in Urbana, you can email acryforyou@gmail.com.
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