Fort Worth’s Hillside, Morningside communities gather to remember Atatiana Jefferson
.jpg "Remembering her name and legacy, the Hillside and Morningside community comes together for a parade and festival in honor of Atatiana Jefferson.")
In the parking lot of El Rio Grande Latin Market on Saturday morning, cheerleaders, dancers, motorcycles, a rainbow color of Corvettes, and signs all celebrated the life of Atatiana Jefferson.
Dozens of people participated in the fourth annual Pull Up for Tay Community Parade and Festival to honor Jefferson, who was 28 when she killed on Oct. 12, 2019, by former Fort Worth police officer Aaron Dean in her home.
The event was part of a weekend of activities held by the Atatiana Project.
Ashley Clark, Jefferson’s older sister, remembers how her sister fought hard for her goals and her community.
“Our goal is to make sure Atatiana’s name stays alive and to make sure she’s never forgotten,” Clark said.
The weekend activity started with a Community Karaoke night on Frida and concludes Sunday with a gala fundraiser to support the nonprofit’s mission to introduce youth to the world of STEM. Jefferson was studying to go to medical school when she was killed.
Saturday’s parade started at El Rio Grande Latin Market at 3037 South Freeway in Morningside and proceeded north to the newly named Atatiana Carr-Jefferson Community Center at Hillside. There a festival featured seafood, freshly made lemonade, games, face painting, and a time for the community to come together for fun.
Cliff Sparks, a community advocate who was friends with Jefferson, wants the event to grow every year. He is thankful for the support of the community to keep Jefferson’s name alive.
“With the help of the community and the help of the supporters, we can come together and make this bigger than what it is,” Sparks said.
To attend the third annual the Atatiana Project Gala to support introducing youth in STEM, go to atatianaproject.org and register for a ticket.
