In a touching tribute to lives lost prematurely due to gun violence, families, friends, and representatives from the District Attorney’s office in Starkville, Mississippi, came together to plant a tree in memory of Laterrance McCarter at the city’s Patriot Park in January 2020. McCarter, at the age of 23, fell victim to gun violence on November 26, 2019.
The tree planting offered closure and ignited a flicker of joy amidst the overwhelming sorrow for his mother, Jennie Mosby. The cherry blossom tree planted in his honor not only symbolizes her son’s life cut short but also serves as a powerful testament to the resilience of their family amidst adversity. This initiative forms part of an innovative memorial tree planting program led by the 16th Judicial District Attorney, Scott Colom.
The memorial tree planting program was formally instituted by District Attorney Colom’s office in January 2020 as a means to aid the emotional healing of families affected by gun violence in his jurisdiction, which covers Lowndes, Oktibbeha, Clay, and Noxubee counties. In recognizing that legal justice wasn’t entirely sufficient in addressing the pain caused by the loss of a loved one to gun violence, Colom proposed planting trees or rose bushes in the victims’ honor.
Since its inception, the program has seen nearly 25 trees or bushes planted across the region. The victims’ families are allowed to decide when and where the plantation should take place; often, they choose significant dates such as birth anniversaries or death anniversaries.
Beyond offering a symbol of hope and healing for the grieving families, District Attorney Colom added that the program was also an attempt to deter potential perpetrators of gun violence, reminding them of the pain and trauma survivors have to endure in the aftermath.
Although the effectiveness of such a deterrent is difficult to measure, the District Attorney believes that it is undoubtedly worth trying. The program, aiming to raise awareness about the real-life consequences of gun violence, is entirely financed by Colom’s office.
Apart from the planting program, Colom is also planning to launch another initiative aimed at providing financial assistance to children who have lost their parents to gun violence – pushing the legal system to extend beyond prosecution and provide more significant help to the survivors.
As Mosby, who has gained an extended family in the broader community through her ordeal, says, “There’s more to them than just getting a gun and shooting.” Her advice to families facing similar tragedies is to never lose faith and keep the community engaged through education and interaction.
She believes if communities step up, regardless of race or color, and help guide children, they can form stronger bonds and create a safer environment. Mosby’s sentiments are a clear call to action, urging every community to actively participate in deterring gun violence and nurturing a more harmonious society.
