It is an anniversary that no parent wants to remember.
On May 10, 2007, Ronald Holt was at the store when he received a phone call that still seems surreal. His ex-wife, Annette, was on the other end of the line sharing some devastating news: their son, Blair, was shot on a public bus a short while before.
Hours later, the 16 year-old student died from his injuries.
In 2012, the pain still lingers for both of the young man's parents including Mr. Holt. It is the year that Blair was supposed to finish college at Clark Atlanta University. Instead, the 51 year-old police veteran finds ways to channel his pain into purpose. As a founding member of Purpose Over Pain, he works with parents of other slain young people to create opportunities within the community.
Today, he returned to Percy L. Julian High School--where Blair attended--for a Peace Day event. It was organized by television broadcast journalism teacher Kim Saunders and her eager group of students. During the event, special presentations were given--including a performance by the Julian High School marching band.
Mr. Holt gave a charge to the students who have lost friends to violence.
"For every friend that has lost their life, I want you to help fulfill their dreams," he said.
"You reach back and you pull someone along with you."
~ Zack A. Isaacs
Mr. Holt gave a charge to the students who have lost friends to violence.
"For every friend that has lost their life, I want you to help fulfill their dreams," he said.
"You reach back and you pull someone along with you."
~ Zack A. Isaacs
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