Families across Charleston County came together Saturday for the annual Spring Fellowship Picnic, an event aimed at providing comfort, connection, and healing for those who have lost loved ones to violence.
The gathering brought together members of the Survivors of Homicide Support Group, offering a safe space to share experiences and support one another through grief.
Finding Strength Through Community
Among those attending was Larry Green, who lost his brother in a drive-by shooting. He described the deep bond they shared and the lasting impact of that loss.
“We did practically everything together. When we lost him, it’s more like I lost part of myself,” Green said.
He recalled that the two had spent time together just hours before the shooting, making the tragedy even more difficult to process.
Green said he discovered the support group six years ago and has since found comfort in connecting with others who understand his experience.
A Shared Understanding of Loss
Pastor George Spike Coleman, who hosts the annual event, said being a homicide survivor means carrying a loss that permanently changes one’s life.
Coleman shared that his own aunt, Linda, was murdered in 2012, and the pain of that loss remains.
“It changes us forever,” he said, emphasizing the lasting emotional impact on families and communities.
Healing Through Connection and Purpose
The picnic is designed not only to honor those lost but also to help survivors move forward while acknowledging their grief.
Green said the group helps participants realize their lives still hold purpose and value despite their loss.
For him, healing includes supporting others who are going through similar experiences.
“It’s not just about me. It’s what I can do for others,” he said.
Continuing the Journey Together
Events like the Spring Fellowship Picnic highlight the importance of community in the healing process, offering a reminder that those affected by violence are not alone.
Organizers say the goal is to continue building a network of support where survivors can share, heal, and find strength together.
