Rows of black folding chairs arranged in a parking lot beside a playground in New Kensington on Saturday looked as out of place as the stuffed animals, flowers and other tributes left nearby to one more teen whose life was cut short.
At a “Stop the Violence” rally held near the spot where Divine Warner, 16, of Arnold, was fatally shot on April 23, those from the neighborhood and beyond who filled the seats heard passionate pleas from clergy, longtime residents and children.
The sentiments were summed up in a word by Pastor David Trent of Chosen Generation Church International, which organized the rally that drew about 50 people.
“Enough,” he said.
Trent said Warner’s death in an exchange of gunfire beside the city-owned JFK playground is yet another in a series of tragedies to afflict a community where 12- and 13-year-olds sometimes talk as if using guns against one another is cool.
“It’s sad because we just buried two kids this year. Last year, we had something like seven,”he said. “I’m tired of seeing ‘Rest in peace. Rest in peace. Rest in peace.’ It’s time for our kids to grow up, get an education and realize there’s more to life than just New Ken.”
His wife, Kim, also pastor at the church, at times geared her words to the young women in the audience. She said outward appearance and material things are less important than what’s inside them.
“It’s what’s your heart,” she said.
Once a gun is fired, it’s too late. “You lost your life forever,” she said. “No more. No more.”
There were religious messages and inspiration served up during the rally, which included a drum set and sound system. Parents held toddlers, and small children paraded with adults with signs that declared “Thou shall not kill” and “Stop the Violence.”
Adalynn McBeth, 6, of New Kensington, drew smiles and even laughter when she stood at the microphone and said, “Jesus is the best.”
But it was hard to miss the red and purple balloons strung from a lamppost where Warner collapsed, or the flowers, the ball cap and what Miracle Kemp, 18, Divine’s older sister who lives in Manchester, said were some of his prized possessions. She welled up as she held in her hand his favorite hat and pointed to a favorite purple stuffed animal hanging from the lamppost under the sunshine.
Warner’s second cousin, Tamarah Hayden, 19, of New Kensington, said it’s tragedies like this that drive home the importance of loved ones and community.
“Tell the people you love that you love them,” she said.
Warner was shot in an exchange of gunfire April 23 near Valley Royal Court on Fourth Avenue. He was later pronounced dead at Allegheny Valley Hospital in Harrison.
Dylan Walmsley, 19, listed in court records as a Leechburg resident, was wounded. He was subsequently charged with firearms violations, but the Westmoreland County District Attorney’s Office said Walmsley was not the aggressor in the physical altercation leading to the shooting and thus was not charged with homicide.
Walmsley is charged with carrying a firearm without a license, a felony, and two misdemeanor firearms offenses, officials said.
Walmsley was scheduled to have a preliminary hearing Thursday, May 4 before New Kensington District Judge Frank J. Pallone Jr., but it was continued until June 1.
In addition to speeches, music and refreshments, donated clothing was brought to the parking lot for those who needed it. Pastor Trent said organizers plan to return every couple weeks to spread a positive message to stem the violence.
Jack Kemp, 57, who grew up in the neighborhood, spoke to the group about role models, parenting and giving children hope. He stood at a fence near the rally and said what matters with events like Saturday’s is that people try.
“Even if we reach just one person, I’m OK with that.”
Bill Schackner is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Bill by email at bschackner@triblive.com or via Twitter .
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'Enough.' New Kensington pastor and others implore young people to stop the violence at neighborhood rally - TribLIVE
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