Trojan Tavern to hold “Stop the Violence” kids rally

Published 3:00 am Thursday, April 19, 2018

Last weekend, shots rang out in a concentrated area of Troy, leaving three people injured.

One of at least four shootings in the area took place in the 200 block of Love Street early Saturday morning, not far from Trojan Tavern, with two people injured.

More shots were fired on in the area of Knox Street and Three Notch around the same time.

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Von Ewing, owner of the downtown cocktail bar, is now organizing an event that he hopes will help bring peace to the community.

“There have been seven or eight shootings in Troy in recent weeks,” Ewing said. “There were 72 rounds fired at Knox Street. It’s a shame that kids have fathers and uncles passing away and they’re having to lay their heads down and hear 72 rounds being fired where they live.”

In response, Ewing is planning a “Stop the Violence” rally for infants to 18-year-old children that will include inflatables, sports, concessions and inspirational speakers.

Among the speakers will be Ronnie Gilley, a former bingo developer that spent four years in prison. Other speakers will include former football players from Alabama, Auburn and the New England Patriots, local pastor Tyrone Moultry and CHHS girls basketball MVP Maori Davenport.

“Honestly, the city needs this,” Ewing said. “I’m tired of seeing people talking about it. Let’s make a change. This is a step I’m trying to take in the right direction.

The rally will be held Sunday, April 29 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Knox Street ball fields. It is free, and there will also be free food available.