Victims of infanticide were honored Sunday with a tree lighting ceremony in South Los Angeles, designed as an “evening of healing and reflection.”
The ceremony, which began outside the Los Angeles County Sheriff Department’s South Los Angeles Station at 5 p.m., was led by the organization Justice for Murdered Children.
“During the ceremony, families will have the opportunity to hang personalized ornaments on a beautifully lit tree to pay tribute to their loved ones,” JFMC’s statement about the event said.
The event also included Christmas carols and a number of food and drink options such as hot chocolate and cookies to “promote a warm and supportive atmosphere”.
LaWanda Hawkins, one of the organization’s founders, explained the symbolism behind the tree.
“This tree is a symbol of memory and unity. By coming together we honor the memories of those we have lost while strengthening our bonds as a community,” she said.
She helped found the organization in 1996 after her son Reginald was murdered, according to the JFMC website.
