Lexington, September 26, 2025
News Summary
Lexington is set to host the annual “Walk a Mile in Our Shoes” event on September 25 at the Lyric Theatre. The gathering, part of the National Day of Remembrance for Murder Victims, aims to honor those lost to homicide while promoting violence prevention. Participants are encouraged to bring memorabilia in remembrance of their loved ones, creating a therapeutic space for healing and connection. The event is open to all Central Kentucky residents, highlighting community solidarity against violence.
Lexington will host the annual “Walk a Mile in Our Shoes” event on Thursday, September 25, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Lyric Theatre on East Third Street. The event is part of the National Day of Remembrance for Murder Victims, designed to unite families, community members, and advocates in remembering victims of homicide.
This year’s gathering emphasizes the importance of raising awareness about violence prevention and supporting survivors of homicide. Organizers strive to create a therapeutic environment where attendees can share their experiences, connect with one another, and honor the memories of lost loved ones. Participants are encouraged to bring memorabilia, such as shoes, hats, or pictures, as symbols of their loved ones.
Ricardo Franklin, the community outreach coordinator for the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office, has been involved with the event for years, particularly drawing on his personal experience of losing his brother, Antonio Franklin Jr., to gun violence a decade ago. His participation underscores the event’s focus on healing and community support.
While the event serves as a place for memory and healing, it also highlights a positive trend in Lexington. Homicides in the city have been on a decline in recent years, with 44 homicides recorded in 2022, decreasing to 24 in 2023, and further down to 22 in 2024. As of now, the city has reported 16 homicides for the current year. This decline allows the community to reflect not only on personal losses but also on overall changes in local safety and violence prevention.
The “Walk a Mile in Our Shoes” event is open to all residents of Central Kentucky, not just those from Lexington. This invites a wider audience to partake in memorial activities, fostering a community-wide understanding of the impacts of violence and the importance of preventing it.
Event Details
- Event Name: Walk a Mile in Our Shoes
- Date: September 25
- Time: 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
- Location: Lyric Theatre, East Third Street, Lexington, Kentucky
- Purpose: To remember homicide victims and promote violence prevention
- Open to: All residents of Central Kentucky
Li>Volunteer Facilitation: Assisted by the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office
Background Context
The National Day of Remembrance for Murder Victims was established to honor those whose lives have been lost to violence, and to support families left behind. The significance of this day has grown as communities seek to collaborate on solutions for violence prevention.
The reduction in homicide rates in Lexington signals a community on the mend, raising hope among families affected by violence. Community leaders and organizations are committed to continuing these efforts and fostering environments where healing and remembrance can take place. The annual event serves as a reminder of both the pain that communities endure and collective responsibility in preventing future tragedies.
Takeaway
The “Walk a Mile in Our Shoes” event in Lexington serves as an opportunity not just for remembrance, but also for healing, support, and community solidarity. Residents are encouraged to participate, fostering connections and understanding around the impacts of homicide and the importance of creating a safer community.
FAQs
What is the “Walk a Mile in Our Shoes” event?
The “Walk a Mile in Our Shoes” event is an annual gathering to remember victims of homicide, promote violence prevention, and support survivors.
When and where will the event take place?
The event will occur on September 25 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Lyric Theatre on East Third Street in Lexington, Kentucky.
Who can attend?
The event is open to all residents of Central Kentucky, including those outside Lexington.
What should I bring to the event?
Attendees are encouraged to bring memorabilia such as shoes, hats, or pictures to honor their lost loved ones.
Why is this event important?
This event highlights the impact of violence on families and communities while focusing on healing, remembrance, and awareness around violence prevention.
Chart of Key Event Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Name | Walk a Mile in Our Shoes |
| Date | September 25 |
| Time | 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. |
| Location | Lyric Theatre, East Third Street, Lexington, Kentucky |
| Purpose | Remember homicide victims, promote violence prevention |
| Open To | All of Central Kentucky residents |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Shooting Incident Involves Lexington City Employee
Lexington Police Identify Second Suspect in Bus Stop Shooting
Lexington Police Seek Second Suspect in Bus Stop Shooting
John’s Run-Walk Shop Expands with New Lexington Location
Lexington Event Provides Support for Families Affected by Gun Violence
Lexington Hosts ‘Walk a Mile in Our Shoes’ Event
Hamburg Welcomes New John’s Run/Walk Shop Location
Big Blue Wiener: A Late-Night Hot Dog Stand Thriving in Lexington
Tragic Weekend of Fatal Car Crashes in Lexington, Kentucky
Kentucky Children’s Hospital Receives $100K Grant for Pediatric Cancer Research
Additional Resources
- LEX18 News
- Wikipedia: National Day of Remembrance for Murder Victims
- WKYT News
- Google Search: Violence Prevention
- WTVQ News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Homicide
- Fox 56 News
- Google News: Homicide Statistics Kentucky
- WKYT Video Coverage
- Google Search: Community Support for Homicide Victims
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON KY STAFF
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexingtonKY.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
