Latest news with #Sistrunk
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Gun violence victims live on through art, exhibit comes to the Midstate
DAUPHIN COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM) — While it is on the decrease since the pandemic, gun violence continues to be an ongoing issue across the Commonwealth. An issue — the Shapiro-Davis administration has worked to decrease since being elected to office by providing additional resources to law enforcement, investing in community programs and through art. 'I'm excited to view the artwork that's on display here,' said Lt. Governor Austin Davis at the State library in Harrisburg Tuesday for the opening of the Souls Shot Portrait Project. This project was started in 2016 and raises awareness for victims of gun violence through art. 'Art provides a platform for survivors and advocates to share their truths in deeply personal and impactful ways,' said Ashley Walkowiak, the Executive Director of the Governor's Advisory Commission on Women. The project pairs fine artists with families who have lost loved ones to gun violence. 'The artist meets and talks to the families. They look at pictures. They share stories,' explained Aubrey Fink, the projects Associate Director. 'Then the artist creates a portrait in their memory, honoring their life, focusing on what brought them joy, their connections, their aspirations.' Harrisburg restaurants react to Food Allergy Safety Legislation One of the people highlighted through this project — Destiny Sistrunk's older brother, Justin who was shot and killed in Philadelphia in 2009. 'He was only 20 years old unfortunately when he passed away,' Sistrunk said. 'He was an amazing guy; he was funny, happy, jolly, a real like a 'guys guy'.' Sistrunk told abc27 News, it means a lot to have her brother's portrait on display in Pennsylvania's Capital city. 'We have to end gun violence and all violence,' she added. 'No one is as bad or as good as their worst moment. So, I think that people need to realize, you know, whatever you're arguing about, whatever issue you may have with somebody, it's never deep enough to end the life and we're going to continue to prevent gun violence until it's no longer here.' That's the goal of the Shapiro Davis administration. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now 'I got my start in public service because of the issue of gun violence,' Lt. Governor Davis shared. 'I ran for office because I wanted to make Pennsylvania's communities safer. It often gets framed as a Philadelphia problem or a Pittsburgh problem, but I want to be clear, gun violence is not the Pittsburgh problem. It's not a Philadelphia problem. It's a Pennsylvania problem. And it's uniquely an American problem that we can, and we must do something about.' The public is invited to view the Souls Shot Portrait Project at the State library. It will be on display until the end of the month. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
05-03-2025
- Yahoo
Disabled man missing since last month found dead in metro Atlanta construction site
The Rockdale County Sheriff's Office says a man who was reported missing last month was found dead in Newton County on Tuesday. Brandon Sistrunk was reported missing on February 20. On Tuesday however, his body was found at a construction site on Access Road in Newton County. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Sistrunk's cause of death is under investigation and will be disclosed once the medical examiner's report is released. TRENDING STORIES: Man meeting Gwinnett County teens with luxury gifts banned from schools Storms bring down trees, knock power out for thousands Couple charged with child abuse in Paulding County Because his body was found in Newton County, officials say their investigation remains active, however, they do not suspect foul play as a factor in Sistrunk's death. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
