‘We must start now’

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It has been almost 15 weeks since the death of Antwan Cole.

The 19-year-old young black man was shot several times at a bus stop in Athens Friday, Feb. 8. He was on his way home from work.

Family, friends and supporters gathered Monday morning at the same bus stop near Main and 135th streets to hold a peace event in his memory.

A representative from the office of L.A. County Supervisor Yvonne B. Burke announced a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of Cole’s killers.

After the announcement, Cole’s family and supporters walked house to house, urging residents to help disrupt the killing cycle by speaking out and cooperating with law enforcement. ‘Work with us, fight with us to change our community,’ a flyer distributed during the walk read. ‘It will take time and won’t happen overnight, but we must start now.’

‘The community was very receptive,’ said Cole’s stepmother, Elizabeth Taylor. ‘They want change too,’ she said.

Above: Antwan Cole’s stepmother and young sister hugging.