DAVENPORT, Iowa — A push to curb gun violence across the Quad Cities will take a step forward this weekend.
The family of 16-year-old De'Zia Bailey will host a two-day event including a walk and rally in Davenport. De'Zia was shot and killed while in her home off Grand Avenue in Davenport on March 4, according to police.
This will be the first year her family will hold the gathering following the tragedy.
"It doesn't only affect me, it affects everybody," her mother Anissa Quinn said. "I said I'd never put my kids on a shirt. I wish we had a solution to it."
It will be the fifth annual event to honor victims and call attention to violent crime. The remembrance includes carrying detailed signs and shirts showing those impacted.
"I just feel like people need to educate their kids more about gun violence," Quinn said. "Do not be scared to talk to them about things. If you feel like your child is having a rough time or something is going on, at least try to help."
Heartbreak also struck the family back in 2017 after De'Zia's brother Arthur Abbey was shot and is now paralyzed.
"It's really hard being like this, but I get through it every day with friends and family and my kids," Abbey said. "I've got a lot to live for."
De'Zia was set to graduate high school after the upcoming school year and she was months away from turning 17 in July. She wanted to be a traveling nurse. The teenager recently obtained her driver's license.
"She was very talented, funny and sassy," Quinn said.
The walk is on Saturday, July 27 at 11 a.m. It starts at the intersection of 4th and Warren streets and will head down to the Davenport Police Station. The rally will be held Sunday, July 28 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at The Center of Love in Action church. It's located at 1411 Brady St. in Davenport. The rally will include food, drinks, entertainment and much more.
Going forward, Abbey's family hopes to find a better house that fits his needs, including hardwood floors to accommodate a portable chair lift. He currently does not stay in his own room, as he's monitored in the home's living room with no privacy. Quinn said Abbey could also use a walk-in shower and a new bed, as the current one is uncomfortable due to his spine damage. Quinn said a service dog would assist in supporting care for Arthur, especially overnight.