'When is enough enough?' Ocala leaders call for end to gun violence in Black community

"When is enough enough?"

That's the question Pastor Darrell Tolbert, a longtime member of War Cry 4 Peace, asked the people who gathered Wednesday at a candlelight vigil for 24-year-old Derrick "DJ" Brown Jr.

Tolbert said he has lost count of how many of these events he has attended and how many speeches he has made about the loss of yet another young life.

Brown's death is one of many shooting deaths throughout the years in Marion County. The victims often are Black men and women.

No arrest has been made in this case, and police have not released any theories about a possible motive.

Tolbert approaches these tragedies with sadness, but also resolve. As a younger man, he sold drugs and usually was armed. He told the audience he understands what it was like because he was once in the game.

But, he said, he later asked himself when he was going to be part of the solution instead of being part of the problem.

Being in the game, Tolbert said, always ends one of two ways: Prison or the graveyard. For him, it was prison. Once he was released, Tolbert turned his life around and hasn't looked back. Now he tries to comfort those who have suffered losses.

Brown's shooting

On June 23, Brown was shot in the 2800 block of Northeast Eighth Terrace in Ocala, police officials said.

The young man was taken to HCA Florida Ocala Hospital, where he later died.

Kelly Carter, who attended Wednesday's gathering, told a Star Banner reporter she was inside her residence June 23 when she heard gunshots and screaming.

Going outside, Carter continued hearing screaming. She said she heard a woman saying they shot her son. Carter found Brown and immediately administered CPR until officers arrived and took over life saving measures.

On June 29, Faye Porter, 31, was shot and killed in the 1500 block of Northwest 20th Avenue in Ocala. Porter, like Brown, was Black. No arrest has been made in her case, either, and no details about a possible motive released.

Get closer to God

On Wednesday, Tolbert addressed the roughly 200 men, women and children who gathered outside the Immerse Church Sports Complex at 5105 N. U.S. 441. He said it's time for the Black community to bond together and take care of each other.

He urged the crowd to come forward, pray, and turn their lives over to God.

"If God can do it for me, he can do it for you," Tolbert said.

Scores of people made their way to the front, where Tolbert and Ocala Mayor Ben Marciano prayed for them.

Kimberly Pompey Wilkerson, founder and leader of War Cry 4 Peace, who moderated the vigil, later moved the crowd several yards away to an open area where they formed a heart and shouted three times the words "We love DJ."

Remembering Brown

For years, War Cry 4 Peace members have dedicated their time, effort, support and service to families touched by gun violence.

At the start of the event, Wilkerson said "we come together in love." To the family, she said: "People need love, support and prayer."

Tyquan Gunsby, Brown's brother, told a Star Banner reporter that his brother was a joker. He said his brother loved everybody and he was "a giver."

"That was the type of person he was. He was life. He never stopped smiling," Gunsby said.

Multiple friends and loved ones took turn remembering Brown.

A woman described him as "a wonderful you man" who was respectful.

Others recalled Brown as a person who was loving, kind and friendly.

War Cry 4 Peace:'The healing purpose starts tonight': Vigil held for man gunned down in school parking lot

Brown's funeral was scheduled for Saturday, July 6.

Anyone with any information about the deaths of Brown or Porter is asked to call the Ocala Police Department at (352) 369-7000 or Crime Stoppers at (352) 368-STOP. Tips can also be submitted online at OcalaCrimeStoppers.com. If Crime Stoppers is used and your tip leads to an arrest, you may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $3,000.

Contact Austin L. Miller at austin.miller@starbanner.com