CARENCRO, La. (KLFY)– Nearly one week after the tragic killing of 18-year-old Jaylin Joiner, the community of Carencro is taking a stand, and says they are determined to foster unity and solidarity for all.
It was a beautiful day as people marched down the streets, hand in hand, shouting out the powerful words “Love all. Hate none.” Many public officials were in attendance including Carencro Police Chief David Anderson, who poured his heart out to the residents of Carencro.
“I need for you to stand behind my department, behind your neighbor, behind your community,” Anderson said.
Terrance St. Julien, a leader in the community, said this event was a crucial step in stopping the violence.
“It was a message that we were throwing out there so people could hear,” St. Julien said. “The kids could come out and hear and understand it’s time to put the guns down.”
St. Julien said it’s amazing to see people from all walks of life come together for a common purpose of unifying the community.
“As you can see, there’s young people, there’s older people, black, white, green, yellow, everybody is out here,” St. Julien said. “The purpose of this is to send a message to the youth to let them know that we love them.”
Lawrence Levy, a pastor at Freedom World Church, delivered a sermon to everyone about how important love is in the community. He said seeing everyone pray together was breathtaking.
“I was fluttered at the very sight of it with just being overwhelmed with excitement and joy to see the love and smiles, the cries,” Levy said. “That meant a lot to me.”
Another community street revival will be held on Sunday at 3 p.m.
