'We must start now'

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.

Comments

[Elizabeth Taylor]

Miss You Twan...

I talked to Michael this morning. I hardly recognize his voice anymore..All I hear is pain, no matter how strong he wants and tries to be, He misses you terribly. Andrea had a bad day on Friday, I've watched their spirit and happiness die right before my very eyes. I truly believe that's why I want so badly to fight for change in your honor. Because your sisters and brothers deserve that much. Anjanae and your unborn child deserves it more than anyone. YOU ANTWAN...YOU DESERVE IT. You've paid the ultimate price for change within our community and society. I HONOR YOU AND I WILL ALWAYS HONOR THE YOUNG MAN THAT YOU WERE. There's not a soul here on this earth, that surpasses what you stood for and represented. Your goodness, kindness, warmth, generosity and love was immeasuable. As much as I hate to, reality makes me speak in the past tense, however, everything that you had and gave will live on in all of your family and loved ones. The hardest thing recently for me, was to start playing softball right in back of Dorsey's Gym (Hangar). I watched you, Michael Deshawn, Pierre and the other young men play so many basketball games in that hangar. While I'm on the field, I look over and visualize you guys running up and down the court, sweating and having a wonderful time.

Well, please ask God to help and direct us down here so that we may make a change and a difference in your honor and all the other innocent Angels who have unnecessarily walked your path..

In Honor of Antwan Emil Cole and everyone who have been murdered by a GUN or any weapon, I pray for change in your name.
This will always be my prayer.

T------Took
W-----Wings
A____At
N____Nineteen

Love and Miss You,
Liz

[Abigail Sanchez]

So sorry to hear about your loss. My heart goes out to all of Antwan's loved ones. I know what it is to lose someone this way. I can only imagine how much more the pain is compounded to not see justice done. Stay strong. Surely, he would have wanted you to.

[genia]

cousin I miss you and I still cry cause I will no longer heat your voice laughter cousin i still cry i miss you your strength your heart your spirit you were so respectful giving and loving cousin i still cry cause i will never see you smile or playing xbox 360 with mikey cousin I still cry cause your light has been dimmed by someone with out a heart someone cold cousin i love you so much I'll miss you every holiday family function I wish you were here with us I'm gone make sure your memory lives on even through I still cry.

[keisha]

sorry too here about your lose we just took a lose in our family too my cousin was murdered on mar,3,2008 in the housing project in the 50's on holmes his name was ben clemmons his story is on here too