By Tavon N. Thomasson
AFRO Intern
In a call for justice and healing, community members, families and elected officials will gather on July 12 from 2 to 5 p.m. at Athletic Republic in District Heights, Md., to honor the memories of three victims of senseless gun violence.
The gathering comes on the one-year anniversary of the death of 24-year-old Shahid Iman Omar Jr., who was fatally shot on July 12, 2024, at around 10:05 p.m. in the parking lot of Dr. Henry A. Wise High School, moments after attending a vigil held at the school.
“It’s difficult to digest it being almost one year to the date Omar was horrifically stolen from us. We are still in the fight for justice and together we will get it,” reads a statement on the rally shared on social media from someone close to Omar. “In addition, we want to remember and share stories of how he has touched our lives over his 24 years.”
The event will also shine a light on the lives of 19-year-olds Myles Xavier Prentice and Donnell Jaden Stephenson. Prentice was shot and killed on Aug.19, 2022, around 9:45 p.m. in the 200 block of Harry S Truman Drive. Stephenson was found with gunshot wounds in his home on March 23, 2025, at around 12:15 a.m. He was later pronounced dead at the scene.
In remembrance of the lives lost, the event, hosted by Kim Lee King, will feature guest speakers, including Maryland Sen. C. Anthony Muse and council members Wala Blegay and Calvin Hawkins II. In addition to the guest speakers, the event will also include live music, food and a raffle for attendees.
Admission to the rally is free and open to the public. Donations are welcome and can be made by scanning QR codes distributed online by the S.E.L.F. Foundation, which is the sponsor of the event.