Kimberly Walker, left, and LaRonda Townsend talk Saturday about the organization they are founding, Mothers Against Senseless Violence, at a street party on Duncan Avenue in Chattanooga. Walker’s son, Desmond McClure, and Townsend’s son, Darrius, both were killed in street violence.The killing has to stop. That was the theme of Darrius Townsend’s 18th birthday celebration Saturday.
He was killed last year on the street, shot for nothing, says his mother, LaRonda Townsend.
“They just killed him,” she said. “Shot him in the back.”
That’s why she is working to found MASK, Mothers Against Senseless Killing, in Chattanooga.
She and others blocked off a section of Duncan Avenue on Saturday for what should have been a party filled with celebration and anticipation of what Darrius’ adult life would hold.