Team Jump Off seeks support for Jan. 15 vigil

In the wake of yet another life tragically lost through the senseless act of gun violence, we are planning a candlelight vigil tentatively set for Sunday, Jan. 15.

The purpose of this vigil is to remember and honor the lives of our young brothers that were so tragically taken in such a violent way. Young men that were robbed of the hopes or the opportunity for perhaps a brighter future. Our hearts go out to their families, to the community and to our youth. Our children and community have not even had enough time to grieve and process the death of “Big Hoover” in any kind of appropriate way or comprehend the reality of it, before yet another murder upon another murder shocks this city — all within four months of one another.

Please join Team Jump Off in planning this vigil because we need all the help we can get. I’m simply a mother that says enough is enough. I have seen the pain and heard the sorrow of our teens as they face the reality of losing another brother from their community and it’s overwhelming.

Our community and our children are hurting and we need to come together and show our children that we will not sit idle any longer. We will not wait for another crime scene, another stolen life, another family member on their knees dropping from the pain of their loss. We need to do everything in our power to assure these children that we will not let this continue, that this isn’t just the way it is in Long Branch.

I’ve worked with most of you in some capacity, and I know that the community organizations, the schools and the families are doing everything in their power to prevent these senseless acts of violence from occurring.

If you cannot help with the planning, I understand and invite you all to attend this vigil. We will send more details once they are confirmed.

Tonya Badillo and the Team

Long Branch