TOLEDO, OH (Toledo News Now) - Just over a year after a violent shooting at the Moody Manor apartments took the life of 1-year-old Keondra Hooks, the community came together to celebrate changes made for safety.
Tuesday marked a new chapter for the community at Moody Manor with the unveiling of a mural and garden in the heart of the complex. They pay tribute to little Keondra, and give hope for seeds of change to be planted.
"We wanted to remember what happened and treat it as a tragedy, but also as a learning experience, and to wake up the community as a reminder," said Warren Woodberry, a local artist involved.
Keondra Hooks was shot and killed in August of 2012. Her sister was left fighting for her life. Now, a mural painted by several Toledoans is standing as a reminder.
"This goes to show that the people in this neighborhood and the city of Toledo are resilient," said Bob Krompak, from Neighborworks Toledo. "They will stand up to crime. They will create positive alternatives for youth, and they will make a better tomorrow for all people in Toledo."
The complex worked with the Cherry Street Legacy Project to use the environment to make the area safer. Trees have been trimmed higher to improve visibility for police, and vines were removed from fencing.
"That also increases the safety for our police officers," said Karen Rogalski, from the Cherry Street Legacy Project. "Criminal activity doesn't want to be seen. There's been installation of lights, there has been fencing and gating."
They are small improvements expected to keep crime out and bring the community in.
