Written by: JR Robinson

The Michael D. Rose Theater at the University of Memphis was filled with a somber yet hopeful atmosphere on Monday, December 2, 2024, as the Shelby County District Attorney's Office hosted its 14th Annual Season of Remembrance Ceremony. The event, which has become a poignant tradition since 2011, brought together families, community leaders, and law enforcement to honor the memory of homicide victims in Shelby County during the holiday season.

A Community United in Grief and Support

The evening began with welcoming remarks from Ruben Diaz, Morning Anchor of LOCAL 24, setting a tone of compassion and unity. The CAPA Choir from Overton High School provided musical performances of "Rockin Jerusalem" and "Non nobis Domine," adding a touch of solemnity to the proceedings.

District Attorney Steve Mulroy, now in his third year of hosting the event, delivered a powerful speech that encapsulated the purpose of the gathering. "We gather tonight to honor those we've lost, to support those who are left to grieve, and to reaffirm our collective commitment to justice and healing," Mulroy stated.

Remembering the Lives Lost

The centerpiece of the ceremony was a tree adorned with 251 ornaments, each representing a life lost to homicide in Shelby County. Mulroy emphasized the weight of this number, saying, "Each ornament that adorns that tree tells a story. This year, there are 251 such stories, a number, of course, which is far more than a statistic. Each ornament represents a parent, a child, a sibling, a spouse, a lover, a friend, torn from those who love them by violence."

A Call for Action and Hope

Mulroy's speech not only acknowledged the grief but also called for community action. He stressed the need for accountability, gun control, and rehabilitation programs. "Let's affirm to them that those who commit violent acts must be held accountable. And those who do so repeatedly, even more so," he urged. The District Attorney also emphasized the importance of prevention, stating, "Just as there can be no correction without consequence, there can be no healing without hope."

Words of Comfort and Faith

Pastor Ben Taylor, Mission Pastor at Bellevue Baptist Church, offered words of spiritual comfort to the attendees. He reminded the audience that "God is the source of all comfort" and encouraged them to seek solace in faith, community, and the act of comforting others. Taylor's message resonated with many as he spoke of finding strength in shared experiences and the power of hope.

In his address, Taylor acknowledged the unique journeys each family faces while mourning their loved ones. He stated: "The tragic loss of a loved one changes you forever... You are surrounded by people that are on a similar journey." He encouraged everyone to remember their loved ones with joy and hope.

He shared three ways God offers comfort:

1. Comfort Through God's Word
   • Reminding attendees that God is a friend closer than a brother.
   • Referencing Psalm 23 about God's guidance through dark valleys.
   • Highlighting Romans 8's message that nothing can separate us from God's love.
2. Comfort Through God's Presence
   • Explaining Emmanuel means "God with us".
   • Noting Jesus' own experiences of grief and suffering.
   • Assuring attendees they are not alone in their pain.
3. Comfort By Comforting Others
   • Encouraging families to share their stories.
   • Explaining that sharing grief can be healing.
   • Emphasizing the power of community in mourning.

Taylor concluded his message with a prayer for comfort and presence for all families affected by violence: "Lord Jesus... be near to them. Your word tells us that you are near to the brokenhearted."

A Personal Touch to Remembrance

The ceremony culminated in a deeply personal moment as family members were invited to hang ornaments on wreaths in memory of their loved ones. Paul Hagerman, Deputy District Attorney General, read aloud the names of the victims, adding a personal touch to each life remembered.

Community Support and Presence

The event was well-attended by various community figures, including local police officers and District 2 City Council woman Jerri Green, demonstrating the wide-reaching impact of violence on the community and the collective desire for healing and change.

A Continuing Tradition of Support

As the 14th annual event, the Season of Remembrance has become a crucial part of the healing process for many families in Shelby County. It serves not only as a memorial but also as a reminder of the ongoing need for community support, justice, and violence prevention.

The Shelby County District Attorney's Office continues to stand with families affected by homicide through this event and its year-round victim support services. As Mulroy assured attendees: "Please know that you are not alone."

The ceremony stands as a beacon of hope and a call to action for Shelby County's entire community—reminding all of life's preciousness and the importance of working together to prevent future tragedies.