In response to the recent tragic domestic violence homicide of 19-year-old Nalisha Gravely, the YWCA of Charleston is reaching out to Gravely’s family by supporting a candlelight vigil and fund in her honor. Gravely was shot and killed at a Taco Bell on Charleston’s West Side last Saturday afternoon. Her boyfriend, 22-year-old Desmond Clark, was arrested and charged with first-degree murder.
The candlelight vigil will be held Friday, July 11 at 7:00 pm on Magic Island. The tentative agenda is as follows:
7:00 Welcome – Lesshia Lee and Crystal Good, Covenant House
7:05 Invocation/Speaker – Lillian Mills
7:20 Vocal – Quandora Hornbuckle
7:30 Liturgical Dance – Thelma Hughes, Abundant Life Ministries
7:40 “Remembering Nalisha” – A family’s tribute
8:00 Speaker – Debby Weinstein, YWCA of Charleston
8:10 Speaker – Kenyatta Grant, WV Domestic Violence Coalition
8:20 Poem – Sandra Mosley, BMEEK
8:25 Lighting of the Candles – Thelma Hughes, Abundant Life Ministries
8:30 Vocal – Tanisha Harmon, YWCA of Charleston
8:40 Benediction – Thelma Hughes, Abundant Life Ministries
Also, at the request of Charleston Mayor Danny Jones, the YWCA has set up a fund in Gravely’s honor to help Gravely’s family members pay for her funeral and burial. More than $4,000 is still needed to cover the total expenses, and any amount raised above what is needed for the funeral will go toward Gravely’s 2-year-old child. All donations are tax deductible and can be mailed or dropped off at the YWCA at 1114 Quarrier Street, Charleston, WV 25301.
View coverage of the press conference announcing the YWCA Gravely Fund here.