MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The mother of one of the victims in the deadly mass shooting in Orange Mound told Memphis’ mayor and police chief that she’s scared, but will continue fighting for her neighborhood and her city.
Jennifer Fason, the mother of shooting victim Chalmar Fason, spoke during Tuesday night’s community meeting with Mayor Paul Young in Orange Mound. Police Chief C.J. Davis hugged her after her emotional speech.
“I ask myself, why me?” Fason said. “But you know what, I already knew the answer. I’m one of the strong ones.”
Chalmar Fason, 22, was one of two victims killed and seven others who were injured when gunfire broke out during an unsanctioned block party on April 20 in Orange Mound Park. Most were teens and young adults.
His mother says Chalmar was one of six children. “I still say six. I’ll never say five,” she said.
No arrests have been made. Chief Davis said police believe there were about 200 people in the park at the time of the shooting, and they have about 18 who are considered persons of interest.
Fason asked everyone in the room Tuesday to “love thy neighbor,” saying she sees many young mothers who aren’t raising their children with love.
“Love is what these kids are missing,” she said.
She credited police officers for doing their job but said it’s now up to parents to do their job and keep up with where their children are.
“Find out where your kids are at, at night, ok?” she said to applause from the room.
She also urged parents to stop being scared and fight for their children’s safety.
“Everybody is scared. I’m tired of hearing everybody is scared. We can’t be scared, we gotta fight back,” Fason said. “We’re not gonna fall back, we’re gonna keep going forward. We’re gonna fight this through. Not only just for Orange Mound but Memphis, period. Because our kids wanna go outside and play. I’m tired of telling my kids they can’t go outside and play because I don’t know what’s gonna come down the street. That’s not fair.”
Mayor Young thanked Fason for her words and strength.
“The pain is heartbreaking. We need to use it to strengthen our resolve to get different results in our city,” Young said.