In Durham, families are using art to shine a light on the devastating impact of gun violence. The Durham Homicide and Victims of Violent Death Memorial Quilt, created by artist Sidney Brodie, is now on display at the Durham County Human Services Building for the first time since 2019. Each quilt block commemorates a victim of homicide in Durham, weaving together personal stories of loss and resilience. Among them is a piece made from the taekwondo uniform of Servante Sincere Broadway, whose body was discovered in October 2023.
For Broadway’s mother, Raykell Smith Lawson, the pain of his loss is compounded by a year-long wait for answers. Durham police are investigating his death as a homicide, and Lawson is urging the community to take action. “They were very destructive when they took his life,” Lawson said. “We have to start standing up and talking. If you see something, say something. Be responsible.”
At a Durham County gun violence prevention event this week, Lawson joined advocates and leaders, including Sheriff Clarence Birkhead, Durham Mayor Leonardo Williams, and quilt creator Sidney Brodie. Also speaking was Lavern Lucier, whose son, Syncere Burrell, was killed at the age of 18. For Lucier, the quilt represents not just her son but the shared pain of countless families. “Each block represents a family because the person who was killed didn’t suffer, but everyone left here is suffering, trying to put their lives back together,” she explained.
Lucier has made it her mission to raise awareness through annual events centered around the quilt. “We are just trying to look for ways to reach the youth, to help them make better choices,” she said. “Do you choose to end your life today, or do you choose to be a doctor, a lawyer, a preacher, a teacher? What do you choose today?”
The quilt, on display in the second-floor lobby of the Durham County Human Services Building, will remain accessible to the public until December 30, with the exception of holiday closures from December 24 to 26. Through this moving tribute, Durham families hope to inspire action and ensure that no more lives are needlessly lost to gun violence.
