Community Day Honors Memory of Vaughn Parker Jr., Raises Awareness About Men’s Mental Health

In June 2023, Vaughn Parker Jr., a beloved member of the Norfolk community, tragically took his own life. To honor his memory and raise awareness about men’s mental health, Jalyn Holmes, a New York Jets player and Parker’s stepson, organized a Community Day event at Lake Taylor High School’s football stadium.

The event was attended by over a hundred people who came together to celebrate Parker’s life and learn more about the importance of mental health support. During the event, attendees enjoyed music from a DJ, played in bounce houses, and had access to food and mental health resources.

As the event drew to a close, participants took part in a memorial walk in honor of Parker. Holmes spoke passionately about his stepfather’s commitment to uniting the community and emphasized the importance of treating others with kindness and love. He also promoted the values of Vaughn’s Way – a non-profit organization founded by him and his mother Tasha Holmes Parker to bring awareness to men’s mental health.

Attendees were encouraged to seek out 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 poignant tribute to Vaughn Parker Jr. and an important reminder of the need for mental health awareness and support within our communities.