By: Charlotte Smith
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In a time when it seems there is so much destruction and dismay going on in America, The Lennon Lacy Foundation, a foundation that began a short time ago following the tragic death of Lennon Lacy is making a positive statement and substantial difference in our community. His family and community are a shining example of how to turn a senseless act into an honorable legacy. This Saturday the Lennon Lacy Foundation organized a Clean-Up Day in Bladenboro to help bring awareness about Lennon Lacy and the positive way in which he lived his life according to Mr. Julius Gillespie, one of the event organizers.
Lacy was a 17 year old young man who played high school football, kept his grades up to par and was found mysteriously hanging form a swing set in his home town of Bladenboro. Ms. Claudia Lacy, Lennon’s mother said, “This is his community and this was what his life was all about. Unity, it takes a whole village. We are coming together, and once it was asked, these people who saw him on a daily basis and knew him, came out here to support him because this is what he was all about”.
Gillespie said, “We know there is not closure for his mother, but we will continue to make a positive difference. Collectively we can do all things, it’s not about a white or black thing, it’s about a us thing.”
Pastor Taylor, with the First Baptist Church, is also out assisting in the clean-up said, “This is a tremendous example. Back in November when we had the rally there was a lot of speculations about the police, but Chief Hunt and the other officers being out here today is a signal of the community coming together. The police are getting out and engaging the community and they need to be commended, along with Claudia, Peter, and Brother Gillespie, organizing this event shows that the community can make a positive impact.”
Chief Hunt with the Bladenboro Police Department added, “We are glad to be out with our citizens. We are all a family and we all work together.
Ms. Lacy wanted to make sure to extend thanks to the NCDOT. She said, “I also want to thank NC DOT. I thank them so much because they helped us a lot. The DOT from Whiteville, Bladenboro and Lumberton were on point. They gave us trash bags, vests and have really helped us.” She also noted they are working with the NC DOT to Adopt a Highway in her son’s name.
According Gillespie, The Lennon Lacy Foundation has several different components to try and raise awareness and make a positive influence in Lennon’s honor. One component is the “Justice 4 Lennon” foundation. They have scholarships, events each month, (like the Clean-Up Day held today), and they are starting a Youth Obesity Program to raise awareness about the issue.
The Lennon Lacy Foundation is taking the right steps to make a difference and create a lasting positive legacy for Lennon, a Bladen County teenager that will not be forgotten. To find out more you may visit The Lennon Lacy Foundation Facebook page or the Justice 4 Lennon Facebook Page.
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