Music filled the air as the people talked and got to know each other. At a table set up in the yard, children were making signs saying “Black Lives Matter” and similar messages. Family friends not able to stay for the event stopped by to show their respect.

The “Stephon Clark Sunday” event was organized by Stevante Clark, brother of Stephon Clark, the former City College student who was fatally shot by Sacramento police March 18, 2018. SeQuette Clark, Stephon’s mother, drove up to Sequita Thompson’s house, Stephon’s grandmother, with a truck bed full of chairs for the event. Soon music was playing while volunteers and leaders from IAMSAC foundation organized to commemorate the life and legacy of Stephon Clark, were busy setting up decorations, sound system, sign decorating table, food and hand sanitizing table.

“Stephon Clark Sunday is the way we commemorate the life and ongoing legacy of Stephon Clark in a positive light,” said Stevente Clark. “I have created this agenda called the Sac 6. One–Bridge the gap between police and at risk communities. Two–Inform and educate on policy and legislative change. Three–Provide resources and healing spaces for those that need it in the community. Four–Commemorate the life and legacy of Stephon Clark in a positive light. Five–Receive recommendations from the public on how to prevent these types of atrocities from ever happening again. Six–Spreading the gospel of love.”

After Stevante Clark spoke to the small group, he took everyone to the backyard where Stephon was fatally shot. He had a moment of silence for his brother and talked about others killed in the community, saying that he wanted the group to visit the memorial sites.

“In order to be a positive force in the community, you must build a relationship,” said Stevante Clark. “We are going to go around the corner to where some of these kids were killed by community violence. This is how we commemorate their lives and legacies and let them know we stand in solidarity. We are calling for unity in the community.”

Stevante Clark walked and led a caravan of cars driving slowly with their hazard lights on around the corner to Rashuan Harris’ memorial site by his family home. Harris was a student and football player at Santa Rosa Junior College, who was shot and killed while sitting in his car according to The Press Democrat. 

Stevante Clark led the chant, “No justice, no peace” and spoke to Harris’ family members who shared their feelings. Then the group went to another memorial site, Joseph Almanza known as Jojo, at Greendale Road and 29th Street who was shot at a house party and died later at the hospital according to Fox40, before returning to Thompson’s house.

“We’re going to do this until we get change,” said Stevante Clark. “Change on all levels and accountability on all levels. I can love you and still want to hold you accountable.”