A Community Day event was held at Lake Taylor High School’s football stadium in Norfolk, Virginia, to honor the late Vaughn Parker Jr., who took his own life in June of 2023. Over a hundred people attended the event, organized by Jalyn Holmes, who plays for the New York Jets and is Parker’s stepson, to raise awareness about men’s mental health.
During the event, participants had fun with music from a DJ and played in bounce houses while enjoying delicious food and mental health resources. Towards the end of the event, a memorial walk was held to pay tribute to Parker.
Holmes spoke passionately about his stepfather’s commitment to bringing together the community and encouraged everyone to treat others with kindness and love. He emphasized the importance of promoting Vaughn’s Way – a non-profit organization founded by Holmes and his mother Tasha Holmes Parker that aims to bring awareness to men’s mental health.
Attendees were urged to take advantage of local resources available in Hampton Roads such as Community Services Boards, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, and the National Alliance on Mental Illness. These resources offer support, information, and crisis intervention for those in need.
Overall, the Community Day event at Lake Taylor High School was a heartfelt tribute to Vaughn Parker Jr., reminding us all of the importance of mental health awareness and support within our community.
