Breaking the Stigma: Norfolk Community Honors Vaughn Parker Jr. and Raises Awareness about Men’s Mental Health
On a sunny day in Norfolk, Virginia, over a hundred people gathered at Lake Taylor High School’s football stadium to honor the late Vaughn Parker Jr. who tragically took his own life in June 2023. The event was organized by Jalyn Holmes, a New York Jets player and Parker’s stepson, with the goal of raising awareness about men’s mental health.
The afternoon was filled with fun and activities for all ages. Children played in bounce houses while adults danced to the beats of a DJ. Food trucks lined up to offer delicious snacks and meals for attendees. In addition to the fun and games, attendees also had access to mental health resources provided by local organizations such as Community Services Boards, Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, and National Alliance on Mental Illness.
As the event drew to a close, participants took part in a memorial walk in honor of Parker. Holmes took the opportunity to speak about his stepfather’s commitment to bringing the community together and emphasized the importance of treating others with kindness and love. He also talked about Vaughn’s Way – a non-profit organization founded by him and his mother Tasha Holmes Parker that aims to raise awareness about men’s mental health.
The event was not just a tribute to Vaughn Parker Jr., but also an opportunity for attendees to learn more about mental health resources available in their local community. It served as a reminder that everyone has access to support when they need it most – whether it be through crisis intervention or information on how to maintain good mental health.
Overall, the Community Day event at Lake Taylor High School was a meaningful tribute to Vaughn Parker Jr., and it highlighted the importance of raising awareness about men’s mental health within our communities.
