Hundreds Participate in “Dee Day” on Wadmalaw Island to Raise Awareness About Gun Violence
WADMALAW ISLAND, S.C.
On Saturday, hundreds of individuals gathered on Wadmalaw Island, South Carolina, to participate in “Dee Day,” an event organized in honor of De’Andre Tommie, an 18-year-old man who tragically lost his life in a shooting incident around the same time last year on May 3, 2023.
De’Andre Tommie, a resident of Wadmalaw Island, was found dead in a car parked outside a home on Roseville Road. The event, marking his death anniversary, commenced with a grand parade that started from Edith L. Frierson Elementary School and concluded at Cherry Point Boat Landing. Notably, the vehicles in the parade were adorned with blue and orange to commemorate Tommie.
Remembering Lives Lost to Gun Violence
Upon reaching Cherry Point Boat Landing, community leaders and family members gathered to discuss the gun violence prevalent in the county. Honored guests included the likes of Charleston County Sherriff Kristin Graziano and County Council Member, Joe Boykin. The event also served as a memorial for other victims in the community who tragically lost their lives due to gun violence, marked by a poignant candle-lighting ceremony. Each victim’s family was invited to light a candle, which was then placed next to a picture of their lost loved ones.
“Dee Day” Proclamation Announced Amidst Commemoration
During the event, Joe Boykin announced a proclamation by Charleston County Council establishing “Dee Day” to honor Tommie’s memory while also raising awareness regarding the rampant gun violence issue.
Addressing the gathering, Boykin stated, “In this case, the loss of a beloved son and member of the Wadmalaw Island community was an opportunity for us to do a proclamation to celebrate Dee’s life and also our support in fighting back against senseless gun violence. And our pledge that we will do all in our power to support families and support law enforcement to try to prevent this senseless act of violence.”
Dee’s Mother Overwhelmed by Community Support
Dee’s mother, Pritchenelia Frasier, expressed her sentiments about the event and the proclamation. She said, “I am overwhelmed with joy and just that the thought of Dee Day actually becoming official with the proclamation it means so much to me. The purpose of this event today with honoring my son is to bring the community together and to see what we can do as a community to put an end to gun violence.” Frasier highlighted the urgent need for the community to come together in order to curtail the ongoing spate of gun violence.
County Sheriff Calls for Increased Community Effort
Charleston County Sheriff Kristin Graziano emphasized the importance of community effort in dealing with gun violence. She affirmed her continued partnership with Dee’s family and her commitment to devise initiatives to get guns off the streets. She further stressed the need for responsible gun ownership, especially amongst individuals with mental health issues or past felonies. According to Graziano, “The people that have done that are back on the streets in a very short period of time and our community is not safer as a result. So, we have got to do better as a community.”
Investigation Promises Justice for Dee
As of now, two men have been apprehended and charged in connection to De’Andre Tommie’s death, promising justice for Dee and his family. While the community still grieves, events like “Dee Day” illustrate the collective spirit and determination to put an end to senseless violence.
