COLUMBIA, S.C. — Families of violence victims gathered to support each other and voice their concerns for the community at a vigil in Columbia.
It's been a nightmare year for Michelle Floyd and her family following the loss of her sister, Wynter Straw. Straw was killed in a domestic violence incident this past March in a Columbia apartment complex.
"Wynter had that biggest personality; she was always smiling. She was very athletic, and what everybody loved to share about her was that she was a foody; she loved good food," Floyd said. "It's been very tough. I know for a lot of us, it feels surreal that she's not with us, but every aspect and everything we do, we make sure that she's a part [of it]."
Floyd was part of a small but determined crowd inside the Busby Street community center Friday night for the first violent crime remembrance vigil. According to the city's new director of violence prevention, Trevon Fordham, the event was created to show support to families and victims of violent crimes.
"As we all know, violent crime is not unique to Columbia, South Carolina. We're seeing it across the country. One thing that we want to make sure we're doing here in the City of Columbia is making sure the families of loved ones that we have lost, as well as those who are survivors, know and realize that we, the City of Columbia, are here to support," he said.
Throughout the evening, speakers would address the crowd, and vendors offered resources to those families in attendance. Victims and families also spoke about their experiences. The day ended with a candlelight vigil held outside of the community center. This all comes at a time when Fordham said violent crime in Columbia is on a downward trend.
"We are actually seeing a decrease right now, about 10% from last year's total. So with two days left, we should finish at a lower rate from all of last year's total. So that encouraging, but it's not something to take a victory lap on, it's something we're going to build on as we go into 2024," Fordham said.
He said ongoing work is being done in the city to combat the violence that is still prevalent in our communities.
"We've seen some blueprints in other places that are working, but it's going to be through community engagement, bringing everybody together from citizens to government, to service providers, the faith-based leaders. Everybody has a role, everybody as a part," he said.
Floyd said Friday helped her and her family connect with other victims and hopes those at home will hear this story and know they have support in healing.
"Speak out, speak up, don't be afraid, ask for help if you need help, and that's in any situation," she said.
Fordham expects this vigil to be an annual event and said it will be held again in January 2025.