A Community United

Temple Hills, Maryland — On Saturday, November 16, 2024, the streets of Temple Hills were filled with purpose, unity, and determination as the Jayz Agnew Foundation hosted its 2nd Annual Community Gun Violence Awareness Walk. This moving event commemorated the life of Jayz Agnew, a bright and promising teen whose life was tragically cut short in 2022, and launched a foundation dedicated to creating safer communities.

The walk began at Benjamin Stoddert Middle School, where dozens of supporters, clad in matching 

T-shirts and carrying signs bearing powerful messages, gathered to honor Jayz’s memory. The crowd, diverse in age and background, moved as one through the streets, their collective steps a poignant reminder of the work still needed to combat gun violence. The route culminated at the very place where Jayz’s life was senselessly taken, offering participants a chance to reflect and transform their grief into action.

“This walk is more than just about Jayz,” said Juanita O. Agnew, Jayz’s mother and founder of the Jayz Agnew Foundation. “It’s about every family, every community that has been shattered by gun violence. It’s about saying, ‘We won’t accept this as normal.’”

The day’s significance extended beyond remembrance, as it marked the official launch of the Jayz Agnew Foundation. The organization, a labor of love born from unimaginable loss, seeks to empower at-risk youth by providing mentorship, educational support, and safe spaces. “Jayz had big dreams,” Mrs. Agnew shared. “Through this foundation, we’re making sure his dreams live on, not just for him, but for every young person who deserves a chance at a bright future.”

Local leaders and elected officials stood shoulder to shoulder with the Agnew family and the community, delivering impassioned speeches that resonated deeply with attendees. “We must turn our pain into progress,” one official remarked, urging collective action to address the root causes of gun violence.

The event was also a testament to the power of collaboration. Community organizations, local businesses, and volunteers contributed time, resources, and energy to ensure the walk’s success. From distributing water bottles to coordinating logistics, their efforts underscored the strength of a community united against a common foe.

For many participants, the walk was both a solemn remembrance and a call to action. “It’s not just about mourning the loss,” one attendee said. “It’s about fighting for a future where no family has to endure this pain.”

As the Jayz Agnew Foundation embarks on its mission, the impact of this walk serves as a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when a community comes together. “We’re just getting started,” Mrs. Agnew said with quiet determination. “Together, we’re building a legacy of hope, resilience, and change.”

The 2nd Annual Community Gun Violence Awareness Walk was not just an event—it was a movement. One step at a time, the Jayz Agnew Foundation is turning tragedy into transformation, ensuring that Jayz’s legacy shines as a beacon of hope for generations to come.