Mission Monday: Honoring Lee-Lee’s Legacy & Building a Safer Future

Last week, we shared 5 Tips for Back-to-School Success—practical steps to help our youth step into the new school year prepared, focused, and supported. Today, we carry that same mission forward in a deeply personal way.

Eighteen years ago, Johnny Leroy “Lee-Lee” Dawkins Jr. lost his life to gun violence at the age of 25 in Lexington, NC. He was more than a statistic—he was a father, son, brother, and friend. His laughter filled rooms, his presence lit up hearts, and his dreams were cut short far too soon.

Lee-Lee’s life—and the heartbreaking way it ended—was the spark that ignited the creation of the JLD Scholarship Fund and, ultimately, JLD Community Solutions. Our work exists because we believe every young person deserves the chance to live, learn, grow, and succeed without fear.

Our latest JLD Storytellers episode premieres on YouTube—a heartfelt tribute to Lee-Lee’s life and legacy. His family shares personal memories, the lessons his story leaves behind, and a call to action for all of us to help protect our youth from the rising tide of violence.

3 Life Lessons from Lee-Lee’s Story:

1️⃣ Pause Before You Act – One split second can change everything.
2️⃣ Asking for Help is Strength – You don’t have to carry life’s weight alone.
3️⃣ Your Future is Bigger Than This Moment – Sometimes the most courageous choice is to walk away.

This episode also takes a hard look at the increase in gun violence here in Lexington and the nation as a whole, exploring its root causes and ways we can come together as a community to stop the cycle.

💬 We invite you to watch, reflect, and share your voice. Whether you knew Lee-Lee or not, this conversation is for anyone who believes in hope, healing, and change.

📍 Watch the premiere here: https://youtu.be/tnBBy61ybEM

If you need support:

• Call or text 988 for free, confidential mental health assistance, 24/7.
• Families affected by homicide can contact the North Carolina Victim Assistance Network (NCVAN) at www.nc-van.org or call 919-831-2857.

Together, let’s honor Lee-Lee’s legacy—not just with words, but with action.

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