A total of 61 persons who died in Long Beach while experiencing homelessness this year will be remembered during an annual memorial service in Bixby Knolls scheduled this Friday.
The event will include an interfaith prayer and musical performances by local artists. It is hosted by the nonprofit Long Beach Homeless Coalition and will include individuals and organizations who assist the homeless.
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Held annually and commemorated in multiple cities across the country, the Homeless Memorial Day takes place on Dec. 21, which is considered the longest night of the year and “symbolizes the struggle persons experiencing homelessness face on the streets every night,” according to the coalition.
“This is also a time for persons who assist the homeless to reflect, and resolve to continue the crucial work to provide services to the most vulnerable in our society,” said Steve Be Cotte, coalition president.
Through the event, organizers hope to assert the fundamental dignity of all persons who are in situations of homelessness and poverty, according to a press release from the city.
The following individuals will be remembered:
- Andrea Williams
- Billy Joe Turner
- Carl Crivello
- Chester Strong
- Christopher Akman
- Christopher Robin Smith
- Christopher Taylor
- Danny Cusick
- Darryl Rejano
- David Rogers
- Denise Michelle Latture
- Eddie Williams
- Felipe Solorio-Nava
- Florencio Pina Sanchez
- Francis O’Brien
- Freeman Stanford Parks
- Gabriel Rosales
- Geoffrey Lucien
- Guillermo Ramirez
- Hernan Gonzalez-Cortes
- Howard Davis
- Jack Bermudez
- Jack Ferguson
- James William Tatlis
- Janna Cameron
- Jennifer Amanda Curren
- Joe Jesus Saucedo
- John Gatewood
- Jonathan S Blue
- Jorge Hernandez
- Jose Santillano Jr.
- Kary West
- Kear Such
- Kelly Paul Miller
- Larry Miller
- Lise Eileen Erbe
- Luvy Reyes Basquez
- Mark Fabian Catron
- Michael A McIntyre
- Michael Eugene Bartlett
- Michael Mahoney
- Michael Pruitt
- Michael Swaino
- Michael Williams
- Mika Liski
- Pamela Lockwood
- Pedro Zamora
- Ricardo Galvan
- Ricardo Gardado
- Robert Johnson
- Robert Rincon
- Rotha So
- Sean Molette
- Serrina Campos
- Shannon James Stephenson
- Shawn J. Dunford
- Shenae Dixon
- Steven McCauley
- Troy Greenway
- Victor M. Cardenas
- Victoria Morris
The event will begin at 6 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 21 at Forest Lawn mortuary, 1500 E. San Antonio Dr. (Enter on Cherry Avenue).