Community gathers for National Day of Remembrance for homicide victims

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- Families, survivors, and community leaders came together Thursday evening at Jon Hunt Plaza for a ceremony marking the National Day of Remembrance for Victims of Homicide. 

The event, hosted by the nonprofit Mamas Against Violence, gave grieving families a space to share stories, honor loved ones, and call for change.  

Parents, children, police officers, and even Mayor James Mueller joined the gathering, which featured keynote speakers, music, and food. Organizers said the goal was to encourage healing while demanding real solutions to break the cycle of violence. 

“We need systems of support, resources for healing and real action to stop the cycle of violence,” said Bobbie Woods, founder of Mamas Against Violence. “To every survivor, every grieving mother, father, brother, sister, or friend—you are not alone. Together, we will heal.” 

Ayanna Johnson, who lost her son Darius Wimberly to gun violence, shared how speaking publicly has helped her heal. 

“Every time I get ready to speak, I go to my son’s grave site,” Johnson said. “I let him know that if nobody has your back, your mama does. I will never stop fighting again. As long as I have a voice, I will continue to speak.” 

Organizers stressed the event was more than a ceremony, but a reminder that violence will not have the last word.