WEST CHESTER, Oh. — Jaylon Knight was shot and killed in Hamilton on March 11, 2016. Since then, his mother, Serina Knight, has created a nonprofit in his name that works to provide scholarships and events for local high schoolers.
The organization has received so much support over the past three years that it needed more space to operate. Just Us 4 Jaylon celebrated the grand opening of its new office space Saturday in West Chester.
"So what I'm trying to do is turn my tragedy into a blessing," said Serina Knight, founder of Just Us 4 Jaylon. "Not just for me, but a blessing to others."
She organizes group events to support family and friends of murder victims. The organization also provides scholarships for local high schoolers, and hosts events throughout the summer.
"I wanted to focus more on celebrating life insteafd of mourning his death, and this office space gives me the opportunity to do that and also share that gift with others," said Knight.
The organization is hoping to give out more 180 backpacks filled with school supplies to families in need this August. Knight said her son was a kind man who loved to make people smile, and she hopes the good Just Us 4 Jaylon can do will honor his memory and joy for giving.
"I don't know what the reason is, but God does not make mistakes," she said. "So whatever He wanted me to do, I want ot continue to be a blessing for Him and the biggest thing is let people know that even though my son physically is not here, his presence will always be here."
Police still have not made any arrests in connection with Jaylon Knight's murder.
