Skate party highlights gun violence, Zaevion Dobson Memorial Fund

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) -- Zaeion Dobson's killers may have been convicted in his murder, but the work to end gun violence in East Tennessee is far from over.

Dobson's family said getting guns off the street is a day-by-day process, but it's time well spent.

The community hopes to use the annual spring break skate as another way to keep children occupied and off the streets. The Zaevion Dobson Memorial Fund partnered with the City of Knoxville to organize the event.

The even at Skatetown, USA, on Broadway is in it's third year. Organizers said they are rolling against gun violence in honor of Dobson, who was gunned down protecting friends in Lonsdale at age 15.

As Dobson's mom Zenobia puts it, the key to ending violence in the community is standing together.

"Coming together as one — and being able to get along and have fun — that's what it's about. Stop the violence,"

Zenobia Dobson said.

About 51 students were bused over from Lonsdale Elementary School to attend the skate party; middle and high school students were invited as well.

One of Zae's former teachers tells us she organized the event to show her students that heroes also come from Lonsdale.