By Becky Holland
What began as a way to honor the memory of a young man whose life ended far too soon has grown into an annual community event focused on healing, awareness and hope.
The Dre Day Foundation will host its 5th Annual Gun Violence Awareness Festival on Saturday, June 6, at Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Cochran, bringing together families, community members and supporters from across Middle Georgia for a day dedicated to promoting peace and positive alternatives to violence.
For Tarious Pitts, the event is deeply personal.
Pitts’ nephew, DeAndre “Dre” Pitts, was just 19 years old when he died from gunshot wounds following a scuffle while playing video games in 2021.
“Dre was a good dude,” Pitts said.
He remembers hearing those words repeatedly after his nephew’s death.
“Dre had his whole life ahead of him,” Pitts said, noting his nephew had opportunities and athletic scholarships in front of him before his life was cut short.
Wanting to ensure Dre’s name and legacy would not be forgotten, family members established the Dre Day Foundation.
“We wanted to do something to keep Dre’s name alive,” Pitts said.
Today, the organization’s mission extends beyond remembrance. It seeks to encourage young people and adults alike to choose alternatives to violence.
“If you feel like harming someone, walk away. Talk to someone,” Pitts said. “Violence is not the answer.”
June is recognized as Gun Violence Awareness Month, making the timing of the festival especially significant.
Gun Violence Awareness Month, observed each June, is dedicated to honoring the lives lost to gun violence, supporting survivors and families affected by violence, and promoting efforts to create safer communities.
The month serves as a reminder that gun violence impacts people of all ages, backgrounds and neighborhoods.
Through education, community events, memorials and outreach programs, organizations across the country work to encourage conflict resolution, responsible decision-making and open conversations about preventing violence before it occurs.
The goal is not only to remember those who have been lost, but also to inspire hope, healing and positive action for the future.
Pitts said the foundation works to make the community a better place and welcomes everyone regardless of background.
“We don’t worry about colors or races,” he said. “We welcome anyone — white, Black, purple or green. Gun violence can impact us all.”
The festival will run from noon until 9 p.m., with organizers extending the hours this year to allow for additional activities and participation.
The day will feature games for children, food vendors, a cornhole tournament and other family-friendly activities designed to bring the community together.
A candlelight vigil at dusk will serve as one of the evening’s most meaningful moments, offering attendees an opportunity to remember loved ones lost to violence and reflect on the importance of peace and unity.
Pitts hopes those who attend leave with a simple but powerful message.
“There is always a better answer than violence,” he said.
The festival is open to residents of Cochran, Bleckley County and surrounding communities.
What: 5th Annual Dre Day Foundation Gun Violence Awareness Festival
When: Saturday, June 6, noon to 9 p.m.
Where: Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Cochran
Special Event: Candlelight vigil at dusk
For organizers, the event is about honoring a life, supporting families and reminding the community that even in the face of tragedy, positive change is possible.
Photos of DeAndre Pitts are from Tarious Pitts
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