Louisville groups honor gun violence victim with shoe giveaway, anti-violence pledge

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — A Louisville community group and a local family came together Wednesday night to honor a young man lost to violence while supporting dozens of teens with a simple but meaningful gift.

Thirty young men received new shoes during a giveaway led by the ACE Project (Acting Compassionately Everyday) and a local survivor family.

Each participant also signed an anti-violence agreement, pledging to make positive choices moving forward.

Organizers said the effort is part of an annual tradition in memory of Anthony "AJ" Smith, who was killed at a young age. This year’s event carried added meaning.

"This year was different because it’s his 30th birthday," said Elgina Smith, AJ's mother. "Anthony was 18 when we laid him to rest, and three weeks later was his 19th birthday. From 19 to 30, he’s been deceased, and each year I’ve done community service. I wanted to do something very impactful."

Smith said the group focused this year on giving back through schools her son attended, selecting students from each location to take part.

Organizers said the goal is to pair resources with reflection — and encourage young people to choose peace over violence.