CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The mother of a Charleston murder victim is hosting a block party Saturday afternoon to bring young community members together, following the death of her son last year.
Deanna McKinney is the mother of Tymel McKinney, 19, who was shot and killed on his front porch in April 2014. McKinney was sitting on the porch of his Sixth Street home on the city’s West Side when he was gunned down by Mark Gaddy, 23, of Detroit.
Since then, McKinney has been involved in efforts that led to several anti-violence marches in Charleston. In conjunction with the G.I.F.T. (God is For Togetherness) Project Initiative, McKinney organized the “Get to Know Me Block Party” set for Saturday from 1 to 5 p.m on 6th Street between Park and Glenwood Avenues.
The event will include free food, outdoor activities, and prizes.
“The plan is to have an event where people feel comfortable where there’s no hidden agendas or anything like that other than us just getting together and having fun,” said McKinney.
McKinney said her mission is to show teenagers other outlets in and around Charleston to “get them off the streets.” She said she would love to set up future programs even outside the city to show young people what else the world has to offer.
“We need to show these kids something different,” she said, “If this is all you know, you set your mind to thinking ‘this is all there is’.”
As a New York City native, she saw many programs around the area that were aimed at having fun while staying safe. She said she wants to make sure Charleston can experience those same, if not, newer programs with the same message.
“It’s hard,” she said, “My son was a good kid. He didn’t deserve what happened to him, so imagine how many good kids that can happen to.”
McKinnley said she will be handing out surveys to understand more of “what the people need.”
“Once we focus on what they need, then we will definitely see progress,” she said.
McKinnley said she received a large amount of donations and support from the community. She said she hopes people can walk away knowing it’s all about sticking together.
The Charleston Police Department will be on hand for the event. For disclosure purposes, 6th Street between Park and Glenwood Avenues will be closed from noon to 6 p.m.