On Saturday, August 26, 2023, the lives of three innocent black civilians were tragically cut short in an anti-black hate crime in Jacksonville, Florida. Angela Michelle Carr, Anolt Joseph “A.J.” Laguerre Jr., and Jerrald De’Shawn Gallion lost their lives in senseless violence.
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Angela Michelle Carr, a 52-year-old Uber driver from Key West, was the first shooting victim. She was sitting in her car when she was shot 11 times. Described as a beloved mother, daughter, and family member, Carr was known for her kindness and generosity.
Her son, Chayvaughn Payne, expressed his grief, saying:
“She would give her shirt off her back for people. This is really hard to process. To lose a mother for nothing.”
Carr’s sister, Kawana Staffney-Ashe, emphasized that Carr was a peaceful person who never bothered anyone, stating, “She didn’t deserve this just because of the color of her skin.”
The second victim, 19-year-old Anolt Joseph Laguerre Jr., worked at the Dollar General store and was shot while attempting to flee from the gunman. The Dollar General company released a statement expressing:
“The DG family mourns the loss of our colleague Anolt Joseph “A.J.” Laguerre Jr., who along with two of our customers were the victims of senseless violence yesterday. We extend our deepest sympathies to their families and friends as we all try to comprehend this tragedy.”
Laguerre’s family has not yet spoken out since Saturday’s incident.
Jerrald De’Shawn Gallion, 29, was the last victim fatally shot as he entered the Dollar General store with his girlfriend. Described as a loving son, grandson, father, and friend, Gallion was actively involved in his daughter’s life and planned to spend the day of the shooting with her.
His grandmother, Sabrina Rozier stated:
“He was a good father, hard worker, very devoted to his one and only child. Active in her life since day one, never missed a beat. Now we got to find the words to tell her that her dad’s with God.”
Gallion had planned to spend August 26th with his daughter but was killed before he could.
These three victims were honored in a vigil led by Governor Ron DeSantis and attended by members of the community. The tragedy has shaken the Jacksonville community and is a painful reminder of the persisting racial tensions in society.
As the investigation into the incident unfolds, the community stands together in solidarity, demanding justice for the lives lost.
In a similar climate, on August 13, 2023, a group of students from Howard University faced a horrifying experience when a mob attacked them for unknown reasons. The attack targeted the students as they stood outside their residence halls late at night, leaving them traumatized and fearful.
