Event for homicide victim designed to continue his mission
The mission of a Uniontown man who was killed in a shooting last year will continue on, beginning with an event for children and teens to teach them that violence is not the answer.
Preachers and family will speak at an event for justice and awareness from 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday at the East End United Community Center in honor of Billy “Blacc” James. A dance will be held for teens and preteens.
James, 35, of Uniontown was shot and killed outside Double Vision Bar and Grille in North Union Township on Oct. 31.
A fight began that night in the bar and spilled into the parking lot. Family said James was trying to deescalate the violence when a gun was drawn. He was shot three times in the chest.
Although there was a group of people present when James was shot, no witnesses have come forward to say who pulled the trigger. No suspects have been identified.
James volunteered with the YMCA Youth Basketball League and Uniontown Youth Football League. Friends said he provided encouragement for the children in his leagues, and would often spend time with them outside of sports.
James’ girlfriend, Faith Fairfax of Uniontown, organized the event, hosting the dance for those he coached and others in the community.
“I just want to enlighten people who don’t know him, and how he did die wasn’t meant to be,” she said.
Fairfax said she wants the children and teens to realize there are people who care about them and realize that “violence is not the only way.”
She said she and James’ mother, Victoria Smith, have become activists.
The event is just the beginning of a foundation to continue James’ mission, she said. They are working on organizing a club for teen boys that will teach them life skills, such as how to dress for a job, in addition to bullying awareness and gun safety.
The goal, she said, is to make sure the members are “grounded” and “make sure if they can’t talk to their parents, they have someone to talk to.”
“It’s just to do something he would do for the kids,” she said.
The event will include a dance for children, ages preteen to 16 years old. The event costs $5, and will include a drink and pizza.
Proceeds from the event go to the foundation started in his honor. The money will benefit James’ children, ages 2 to 16, and the organization serving the youth of Uniontown’s East End.
Rev. Doug Wright, Rev. Ernie Allen and James’ mother, Victoria Smith, will speak at the event.
Donations will be accepted. Food and clothing will be sold to raise funds.