NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — More than a hundred people gathered at Lake Taylor High School’s football stadium for a Community Day on Saturday.
The event was in honor of Vaughn Parker Jr., who died by suicide in June of 2023.
His stepson Jalyn Holmes, who plays for the New York Jets, put on the event to bring awareness to men’s mental health.
The event included a DJ, bounce houses, food and mental health resources.
Toward the end of the event, attendees participated in a memorial walk for Parker.
“Walking to represent what he stood for and what he still stands for, even though he’s not here in the physical,” Holmes said. “But spiritually Vaughn always stood for his community to unite. So this is what we’re doing right now to honor him.”
During the event, the term “Do Like Wise” was repeated. It’s a term Parker would often say.
“It represents what it means to treat other how you would want to be treated by loving yourself you love other people. So just giving back as much as you can,” Holmes said.
Holmes and his mother Tasha Holmes Parker started a non-profit organization called Vaughn’s Way to bring awareness to men’s mental health.
Resources
Local resources are available in Hampton Roads. Find your local Community Services Board to see what services are in your city. Click here to view more resources from the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
For information on programs, events, presentations and support groups the National Alliance on Mental Illness offers, click here.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, call the Suicide Prevention Line at 1-800-273-TALK.