To bring awareness to gun violence during National Gun Violence Awareness Month, the City of Columbia Office of Violent Crime Prevention will host a Garden Rededication at Pacific Park. In 2014, the R.I.C.H. Program, under the directorship of Dr. Germon “Mama G” Miller-Bey established a Garden of Peace as a memorial for those lives lost to gun violence. On the tree that gives shade, hangs “wooden guns” generously created by retired Parks and Recreation staff, Joan Sorensen.
With a heavy heart, over these many years, community members have hung over 300 “names” on the aging limbs of the tree! On Thursday, June 20th, 2024, we will rededicate this garden and through prayer and spoken word acknowledge these Ancestors of all ages. (This ceremony will be held indoors at Pacific Park in the event of inclement weather).
Who: The City of Columbia Office of Violent Crime Prevention and the R.I.C.H. Program.
What: Garden Rededication Ceremony to honor and acknowledge lives lost to gun violence.
Register Here: https://forms.columbiasc.gov/team/information-technology/cocgardenrededicationceremony
Where: Pacific Park, 200 Wayne Street, Columbia SC, 29201
When: Today, Thursday, June 20th from 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
