PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — People gathered in Providence on Monday night to honor long-time community leader Cedric Huntley on what would have been his 66th birthday.

Huntley was commonly known as “Mr. Ced” and previously served as the executive director of the Nonviolence Institute. The nonprofit organized the celebration, deeming August 12, “Mr. Ced Day.”

The Dynamic New Force Steppin’ Drill Team kicked things off, marching from the Southside Recreation Center to the Nonviolence Institute on Oxford Street.

The march was followed by a cookout and a balloon release.

Huntley’s wife Anika Kimble-Huntley described her late husband as a champion for people who need a voice.

“He really was that… it shows that his life was worth everything he put into it,” she said. “I think his wish is exactly what you saw outside: people celebrating, people smiling and not crying, people communing, people talking, people just getting together and being one.”

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