After trying to control her emotions, White approached her daughter’s marker and fervently asked the audience, “Can we get a drum roll, y all?”
Since the shooting, White had been overcome with anguish, but when she raised her arms in the air, it didn’t matter. Now, the entire world could see her child’s name: Aj Anaye Hill.
White told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, “I was just so excited.” She won’t return because of that. She is on my mind every single day. However, having her name on the street is undoubtedly a delight.
[email protected] is credited.
[email protected] is credited.
In honor of the 14-year-old who was slain on March 4, 2023, along with La Fleur’s 15-year-old son, the intersection of U.S. 78 and Campbellton Street is now formally known as the Aj Anaye Hill Memorial Intersection. The Samuel Micah Moon Memorial Interchange is the new name for the intersection of I-20 and Ga. 92.
Legislation permitting both roadway dedications was proposed by State Senator Donzella James and signed into law by Governor Brian Kemp in May.
During the bittersweet occasion on Monday, La Fleur talked about the necessity of love. With her family by her side, she observed red balloons ascending into the sky.
La Fleur told the AJC, “As a family, we just feel an indescribable feeling when we see him up here.”
[email protected] is credited.
[email protected] is credited.
Families were escorted to both unveilings by a motorcade made up of numerous county and sheriff’s cars.
Deputies had been summoned almost 30 months prior after shooting broke out at the party, which had grown out of control and included more than 100 youngsters. The fatal gunshot, according to officials, was the result of an altercation on Sitka Drive, just up the street from the residence. According to the district attorney’s office, eight additional teenagers were shot and sustained injuries ranging from minor cuts to serious injuries.
During that tumultuous Saturday night, county dispatchers Dakota Roden and Kayla Marshall reported handling about two dozen calls, one of which Marshall heard Moon in the background. Later, she contacted La Fleur, who put her in touch with Aj Anaye’s mother.
These days, their families are essentially one big family. “We have maintained communication with them,” Marshall stated. It gives them comfort to know that someone is involved in their baby’s final moments.
DA Our children saw a war zone in their own backyards, and the shooting altered the fabric of our neighborhood, according to Dalia Racine, who has children the same age as the victims.
According to Racine’s office, seven individuals received sentences in the case that ranged from 12 months to life in prison.
[email protected] is credited.
[email protected] is credited.
The community was rocked, Racine told the AJC, “because we don’t expect perfection from our kids, but we do expect them to be safe, and this dismantled that entire notion that they would be OK.” However, the mothers are now able to stand firm and have triumphed over tragedy in a variety of ways, each one distinct.
Moon attended Lithia Springs High School as a sophomore. According to his mother, he would picture himself as a superhero inside his family home and adored Spider-Man and the color red. He was a gifted and compassionate kid who would have graduated by now, according to Principal Felicia Jones.
In recognition of Moon, she collaborated with La Fleur to create the red bow tie scholarship. Six of her kids received scholarships this spring.
Channel 2 Action News is credited.
Channel 2 Action News is credited.
Hill met Douglas County High School administrator Kenja Parks on her first day of classes. They became friends over pink, their twin connection, and their similar birthdate. Hill has a twin brother, Ahmed, who continues to attend the school, while Parks has twin girls.
Parks claimed to have given Hill a hug in the corridor the day before the shooting and complimented her on her fantastic spring semester. The family just founded the Aj Anaye’s Dream Foundation, which offers scholarships to families and young people impacted by gun violence.
According to Ahmed Hill, “my sister meant everything to me.” There should be no mention of her name. She ought to be here with us today. However, it has a lot of meaning.
Both moms contacted County Commission Chairman Romona Jackson Jones following the shooting to inquire about naming a roadway in honor of their children, Jones said. The wonderful news ultimately came after she got in touch with James.
Both mothers have found the grieving process to be difficult, but it has also brought them closer. La Fleur promised to call White if she was having a rough day so they could talk about their suffering.
Only a few miles apart, there are road markers recognizing their children, proving that they are now a family.
Every day I travel this path. White declared, “I’m going to be driving it extra now.”
“Oh, without a doubt,” smiled La Fleur. We’ll pass by in our car.
