The URC is partnering with the Virginia Symphony Orchestra to host our annual Evening of Hope to honor victims, their families and survivors of gun, knife, or other types of violence. We will also honor frontline professionals working to offer hope in the all-too-frequent violence.

Violence has rocked Hampton Roads, fracturing communities. We are uniting the community in hope!

“Man, if I get another call about one of my boys shot, I don’t even know how to respond. I’m not even shocked anymore,” said a 20 year old from the community.

Violence is emotionally paralyzing a generation trying to cope with a reality all too common. We must not stand idly by. Homicide victims are valuable members of our communities. Their humanity is far more than merely another fatally wounded family member, friend, or community member.

Many families in Hampton Roads have been profoundly impacted by the uptick in gun violence. Many are anxious to leave their homes, afraid of who could be next.

We need ongoing comfort in the loss of loved ones and a renewed sense of hope. Violence must not win!

Do you have a relative who was
fatally wounded?

If you or a next of kin in Hampton Roads, Virginia, have a loved one fatally wounded, we would like to honor your loved one at the next Evening of Hope, Tuesday, October 10, 2023, at the Harrison Opera House in Norfolk, Virginia.

We must never forget the valuable lives taken from us in violence. May we add your loved one to the list of persons we will memorialize this year?

Also, we want to celebrate the lives
of those who have survived near
fatal wounds.