NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — Stop the Violence 757 is working hard to take back our communities from crime.
Monica Atkins, its founder, started the nonprofit after the death of her son 10 years ago. Atkins adopted a section of Effingham Street in memory of Antonio Atkins.
In December 2014, he was tragically killed in a drive-by shooting.
This past weekend, Atkins hosted a cleanup in Portsmouth while Reginia Richardson-Bailey hosted another cleanup in Norfolk.
Richardson-Bailey was working in the community to stop violence in the Hampton Roads area before her son D’Vurille Bailey was killed on Manson Street.
Earlier this year in April, she was able to adopt the street with an official sign at the area he was struck. Now, four times per year, she organizes clean-up events.
“We always want to fulfill our obligations,” Richardson-Bailey said.
This street adoption honors the life of D’Vurille Bailey in hopes to address gun violence. After a 10 On Your Side story aired, Richardson-Bailey received a message with information.