A memorial parade is set for Wednesday to celebrate the lives of two former Brookhaven High students.

On Wednesday, the Lincoln County chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People will conduct the sixth annual memorial for Javonta “Bud” Dickey and Shaquan “Quan” Richardson, who were killed in a car accident in 2014.

NAACP Lincoln County chapter president Rico Cain understands this event means a lot for their families and for the community. It is something that hits home for him, too.

“It means a lot to me because I’m in the same position that this family is,” Cain said. “I lost my child in a car wreck. I can feel that family’s pain and share their experience. It really means that parents never forget their children, living or deceased.”

The parade will start at 6 p.m., with line up time starting at 5:30 p.m. Parade line up will take place on Union Street between Fred Walley Drive and Ingram Street and will head east.

The parade will end at the old Piggly Wiggly on West Monticello Street, where a balloon release will occur. Everyone is invited to attend and is encouraged to bring their own balloons and decorate their vehicles.

Due to the effects of the coronavirus pandemic, an indoor program will not be scheduled.

While Cain didn’t know Dickey or Richardson personally, he said he knew them from seeing them in the community.

“They were very good boys,” Cain said. “I knew them from seeing them around the high school.”

Cain hopes their families can feel comforted during this time as they celebrate this anniversary of their passings.

“I hope that they can know that even though they’ve lost the closest thing to them they can keep praying and keep moving, and know that their child is in the arms of our Heavenly Father,” Cain said.

 

Story by Gracie Byrne