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Ju'stice Week 2026 Proves Major Success
- justiceforjuliansc
- Jun 26
- 4 min read
What began as a vision to honor Julian’s legacy and create safer communities concluded as a powerful three-day movement of action, faith, partnership, and prevention.
From June 4-6, 2026, Ju’stice hosted its inaugural Ju’stice Week, bringing together law enforcement, educators, faith leaders, students, families, volunteers, sponsors, and community members for one shared purpose: preventing violence, supporting young people, and creating opportunities for positive change.
Thursday, June 4: Anonymous Gun Drop-Off Activation and Year One Impact Presentation
Ju’stice Week officially began with the fourth and final Anonymous Gun Drop-Off Activation of Phase One, hosted by Serve & Connect in Columbia.
The event served as both a community safety initiative and a Year One Impact Presentation, highlighting the success of the program’s first year. Through partnerships with the Richland County Sheriff’s Department and Columbia Police Department, the initiative has safely removed a cumulative total of 31 handguns, 21 long guns, and more than 2,500 rounds of high-powered ammunition from community circulation. Every firearm and piece of ammunition surrendered represents a potential life saved. A potential life saved is a life with potential.
The event also marked the official launch of Phase Two, which will focus on expanding the Anonymous Gun Drop-Off Activation model into additional South Carolina communities while continuing to strengthen partnerships dedicated to violence prevention.
Ju’stice extends its sincere appreciation to Serve & Connect for hosting the event, Richland County Sheriff’s Department and Columbia Police Department for their continued partnership, and Be SMART, Prisma Health, the Steel Majesty Fan Club of Columbia, and Sam’s Club Forest Drive for helping make the activation and Year One Impact Presentation possible.
Friday, June 5: Built Different: The Recharge
On Friday evening, the community gathered at Grace Christian Church for Built Different: The Recharge, a youth-focused revival designed to encourage, uplift, and empower the next generation.
Presided over by Reverend Dr. Janice Lake and featuring a message from Youth Minister Jordan Gibbs, a rising 11th-grade student, the evening brought together young people and families for a powerful experience centered on faith, resilience, purpose, and hope.
Through worship, encouragement, and a timely message, participants were reminded that they are capable of overcoming challenges and becoming leaders within their schools, homes, and communities.
The event served as a reminder that violence prevention is not only about intervention. It is also about investing in the spiritual, emotional, and personal development of young people before they ever reach a crisis point.
Ju’stice is grateful to Grace Christian Church and its leadership for opening its doors and helping create a space where young people could be recharged, encouraged, and inspired.
Saturday, June 6: The Ju’stice Games
Ju’stice Week concluded with The Ju’stice Games, a First Responder Charity Flag Football Game hosted at W.J. Keenan High School. The event transformed the football field into a space for connection, laughter, and community engagement as members of the Richland County Sheriff’s Department and Columbia Police Department competed in a friendly matchup. In front of an enthusiastic crowd, the Richland County Sheriff’s Department secured a 54-8 victory.
More importantly, the game created an opportunity for young people and families to interact with first responders in a positive and engaging environment. Throughout the day, community members enjoyed food, entertainment, fellowship, and a celebration of what can happen when organizations work together toward a common goal. The Ju’stice Games served as the official conclusion of Ju’stice Week 2026, bringing together law enforcement, educators, students, families, community leaders, volunteers, and supporters in a celebration of partnership and prevention.
Ju’stice extends heartfelt thanks to W.J. Keenan High School, Principal Dr. Hankins, the Keenan administration, Athletic Department, and Head Football Coach Jarret Neely for opening their campus and helping make The Ju’stice Games possible.
Additional appreciation is extended to Chick-fil-A Bush River Road, the event’s food sponsor; Stacy Hough of Hough Nation Sports for serving as game-day announcer; DJ Lucky Leon for providing entertainment; and Imani Wiley-English for serving as the event’s game-day songstress.
Most importantly, thank you to every volunteer, board member, supporter, parent, student, and community member who gave their time, energy, and presence to make The Ju’stice Games a memorable conclusion to an unforgettable week.
Looking Ahead
While Ju’stice Week has concluded, the work continues. During Ju’stice Week, Ju’stice announced its upcoming fundraising gala, Silence the Noise. Hear the Echoes of Ju’stice, scheduled for Friday, September 25, 2026, at The Gala, located at 1801 Bush River Road. Sponsored in part by The Gala, the evening will celebrate impact, honor partnerships, and help fund the next chapter of Ju’stice’s violence prevention work.
The organization also announced the upcoming launch of the Ju’stice Student Intervention Network (JSIN), a comprehensive youth engagement and prevention initiative. Three programs will be introduced under the JSIN umbrella, each designed to strengthen student support systems, promote positive youth development, and provide additional pathways for intervention and prevention.
Additional details regarding these initiatives will be announced in the coming months.
Ju’stice Week was never intended to be a single event. It was designed to be a reflection of what is possible when a community chooses action over apathy, partnership over division, and prevention over reaction.
Together, we will continue to Silence the Noise and Hear the Echoes of Ju’stice.
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