Honoring Loss: Vaughn Parker Jr.’s Community Day Event for Men’s Mental Health Awareness

A Community Day event was held at Lake Taylor High School’s football stadium in Norfolk, Virginia, to honor the late Vaughn Parker Jr., who died by suicide in June of 2023. The event was organized by Jalyn Holmes, who plays for the New York Jets and is Parker’s stepson, to raise awareness about men’s mental health.

The event attracted over a hundred attendees, all of whom were eager to pay their respects to Parker and learn more about mental health resources. During the event, participants enjoyed music from a DJ, played in bounce houses, and had access to food and mental health resources.

Towards the end of the event, a memorial walk was held in honor of Parker. Holmes spoke about his stepfather’s commitment to uniting the community and emphasized the importance of treating others with kindness and love. He promoted the values of Vaughn’s Way – a non-profit organization founded by Holmes and his mother Tasha Holmes Parker to bring awareness to men’s mental health.

Attendees were encouraged to avail of local resources in Hampton Roads, such as Community Services Boards, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, and the National Alliance on Mental Illness. These resources offer support, information, and crisis intervention for those in need.

Overall, the Community Day event at Lake Taylor High School was a meaningful tribute to Vaughn Parker Jr. and a reminder of the importance of mental health awareness and support within the community.