Birmingham Community Vows for Change After Tragic Loss of Young Mother to Gun Violence

Birmingham Comes Together to Remember Young Mother Lost to Gun Violence

On a rainy Friday evening, a somber vigil was held at Railroad Park in Birmingham, honoring the life of Anitra “ReRe” Holloman, a 21-year-old mother tragically killed in a recent shooting. Friends, family, and community members gathered to pay their respects to Holloman and express their heartache and search for justice six days after she lost her life in a sweeping act of violence.

A Community in Mourning

“It’s been the worst six days of my life,” expressed Candance Kemp, Holloman’s mother, through tears as she addressed the crowd. “She was a great daughter. She was a great mom. She was my best friend.” Holloman was fatally injured when gunmen opened fire outside the Hush lounge in the Five Points South entertainment district, a popular local spot, late Saturday night, September 21. In the chaos, not only was Holloman killed, three other men—Roderick Lynn Patterson Jr., Tahj Booker, and Carlos McCain, both 27—also lost their lives, with 17 others suffering injuries from the barrage of more than 100 shots fired.

The Investigation Progresses

Birmingham Police Chief Scott Thurmond shared that investigators believe the shooting was a “hit,” indicating it was a murder-for-hire targeting at least one of the deceased. However, details surrounding the targeted individual have not yet been disclosed, and no arrests have been made as police continue to gather information. Chief Thurmond added that authorities have identified the types of firearms used but have withheld that information from the public for the time being. Despite the lack of arrests, he noted that officers have received hundreds of tips from the community.

Remembering Holloman

Holloman was a college student pursuing a teaching degree and was a devoted single mother to her 1-year-old son, Ski’Lar. Tragically, this incident marks another chapter of profound loss: Holloman’s partner, Demetris Silliman Jr., was also a victim of gun violence, murdered in October 2022. Holloman’s mother, Kemp, shared the heartbreak brought about by these losses, notably for Ski’Lar, who seems to grasp that his mother is no longer present. “She was sad all day yesterday,” Kemp explained, her voice quivering with emotion. “This sweet, poor baby lost both her parents to gun violence. This can’t be life.”

A Call for Change

During the vigil, attendees were urged to reflect on the broader issue of gun violence and its impacts. Kemp passionately called for a change, crying out, “Put the guns down! It’s out of control.” She noted the community’s need for healing and support, leaning on the love of those around her in this painful time.

Some attendees have joined the fight against gun violence through advocacy. Sheree Kennon, founder of a Birmingham nonprofit called What About Us, spoke to the crowd, sharing her own experience and the struggles that follow losing a child to violence. “We are losing too many, and our voices need to be heard,” Kennon stated. “We have to talk to our young and some of these adults causing trouble in our community.”

Community Solidarity

Others, like Sherita Clark, who also suffered a loss due to gun crime, echoed the sentiment for peace and dialogue within the community. Clark, an anti-violence advocate, emphasized the need to address conflicts without resorting to violence, saying, “Put your guns down. Revenge is not the way.” Clark implored anyone with information regarding the recent shootings to come forward, addressing the silent witnesses among the crowd. “Somebody knows more than what they’re telling. We have to stop being silent. These criminals don’t care about us.”

Support for Holloman’s Family

In light of the tragedy, a GoFundMe has been set up to assist with Holloman’s burial expenses, allowing the community a chance to rally support around her family. Officials are actively encouraging anyone who may have information related to the shooting incidents to reach out, stressing the importance of community cooperation in the face of violence.

The vigil not only remembered the lost lives but also served as a poignant reminder of the urgent need for change and the power of community in addressing gun violence.