LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) — Anita Franklin's family and friends are committed to continuing her legacy through the event she championed each year- the Peace Walk.
An outspoken activist against gun violence following her son's death in 2014, Franklin died unexpectedly in February.
But her impact continues to be felt across Lexington, in her efforts to connect survivors of gun violence and call on leaders to enact gun control measures.
"Her legacy to the community is just how strong and powerful she was," said Ricardo Franklin, Anita's son. "She gave people who may not think they have a voice, a voice."
Her annual event, the Peace Walk held in Duncan Park, began to bring positivity and change to Duncan Park, the place where her son Antonio Franklin was killed by random gunfire.
And as Lexington deals with multiple teenagers' shooting deaths in recent weeks, Ricardo Franklin said his mother would want calls for peace to continue.
So plans have been set to hold a Peace Walk later this month.
"It's more of a celebration and just a kick-starting of us as a community coming together to put an end to gun violence," he said.
Her work to offer support to gun violence victims' families also continues through friends like Kenya Ballard.
"I feel like she was preparing us like she was giving us the resources that we need to keep us going," said Ballard, who has also lost loved ones to gun violence.
The Peace Walk will be held at Duncan Park on September 27 at 3 p.m. Social distancing and mask-wearing will be enforced, Ballard said.
