Local Foundation to Host National Day of Remembrance for Gun Violence Victims

The Ky Alicia Thomas Foundation, established in memory of a young woman killed in 2020, will hold a National Day of Remembrance event titled “Faith, Family, and Friends” in Pasadena. Scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 21, the free gathering at Brookside Park seeks to provide support and resources for those impacted by gun violence.

Cortlyn Bridges, the foundation’s founder and Ky Alicia’s mother, created the organization after her daughter’s murder on Dec. 1, 2020, at the Venice Beach Boardwalk. The case remains unresolved, with those involved charged with conspiracy to commit assault with a deadly weapon, and no one has been found guilty of her murder as of now.

“The impact of this devastation on our family has been profound,” Bridges said.

Bridges also emphasized the need for a support system beyond traditional therapy. 

“I needed to find a way to survive this tragedy and connect with others who understood our pain,” she said.

The foundation, whose slogan is “Keeping Away Trauma,” aims to keep Ky Alicia’s memory alive while offering resources and community support to those affected by similar tragedies. 

“Through talking and remembering, we can support each other,” Bridges explained. 

The National Day of Remembrance event, sponsored by Pasadena City Councilmember Tyrone Hampton, will feature community resources, arts and crafts, employment opportunities, youth sports organizations, financial literacy programs, and giveaways. The foundation aims to create an inclusive environment where families can find support and build new connections.

“Our goal is to host inclusive events where people can find and offer support,” Bridges said. The organization focuses on assisting families impacted by gun violence with mentoring and supportive services, promoting healing within communities.

The event will take place from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Brookside Park, located at 360 N. Arroyo Blvd. in Pasadena. Organizers encourage community members to attend and support those affected by gun violence, emphasizing the message: “One Love. One Family healing together. You are not alone.”

“The foundation was born from the desire to remember Ky and to bring people together, ensuring they have support for their trauma,” Bridges writes on the foundation’s website. “Providing resources to facilitate healing is a key goal, along with offering community support for those affected by similar tragedies.” 

For more information, visit https://www.kyaliciathomasfoundation.org/.