Families who lost loved ones to violence create memorial on car

Posted at: 09/22/2012 7:11 PM | Updated at: 09/22/2012 11:42 PM
By: Joangel Concepcion | WHEC.com

It started with a motorcycle... but now a car is being transformed into a one of a kind memorial.

Organizers wanted the finished product to be a surprise for the families, but News10NBC got a sneak peak at the car that is truly one of a kind.

This entire project all started with two strangers and one thing in common... they both lost loved ones to violence.

Bernita Hawkins said she never thought her idea would move this many people. Especially one man in particular.

Hawkins said, "This project is really coming to life, it was a vision that without a doubt God has given me."

She calls Hernandez "a blessing." She met Elvis Hernandez months ago. He was a grieving father who recently lost his son. Little did she know, he was going to take her idea to the next level.

Hernandez said, "That type of exposure I felt I could do just as well of a job with her and collaborate with her to really send a positive message."

Hernandez along with several others gave her PT cruiser a facelift, free of charge.

Two local artists painted the car, airbrushing the faces of Rochester's victims of violence.

Hernandez hopes the entire city will realize these lives have not been lost.

He said, "Certainly we want to keep their legacy alive and we want to push forward and get the community to get together and join us on our cause."

Members of the community have joined the cause, also fed up with the violence.

James Niche, founder of Act Live Music said, "Just walking in here today and seeing all these faces and these are just a few of hundreds of victims here. It's overwhelming."

It took a lot of work and community effort to bring this car back to life. They hope it serves as a reminder that these victims will not be forgotten.

They also hope it shows those who may have been involved, how precious these lives were.

Hawkins said, "It's sad that a lot of these young people have lost their lives and they really haven't even gotten to live their lives."

The car should be completed by Saturday night. They will reveal the car for the families and the community this Tuesday, September 25, at the Maplewood Rose Garden. They plan to hold a candlelight vigil as well, which will start at 4.30 p.m until 8.30 p.m.

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