Columbus, Ohio — Nearly three years after her untimely death, the memory of 17-year-old Makenzi Ridley continues to spark a community movement against gun violence, driven by the relentless efforts of her grieving mother, Seneca Ridley. Despite time passing, justice remains elusive as the perpetrator of the shooting, which occurred in broad daylight at a local community center, has yet to be identified or charged.
The city has come to know Makenzi’s story well, thanks to her mother’s dedication. Seneca Ridley has transformed her agony into action, tirelessly campaigning to not only find her daughter’s killer but to ensure Makenzi’s short but impactful life serves as a catalyst for change. Her initiatives revolve around combatting gun violence and providing opportunities for the youth in Columbus.
“I always think about what Makenzi would do in my place,” Seneca shared in a local interview, indicating how her daughter’s spirit influences her ongoing advocacy. For Seneca, the journey of coping with the murder of her child is compounded by the justice system’s inaction, leaving the crime unresolved and the community unnerved.
The fatal incident, which investigators later revealed Makenzi was not the intended target, took place outside the Far East Community Center in June 2021. The tragedy highlighted the unpredictable dangers of gun violence affecting innocent bystanders.
In her battle against this societal issue, Seneca Ridley established the Orange Hearts for Makenzi Foundation. The non-profit is dedicated to her daughter’s memory and has made significant strides in supporting underprivileged youth. It provides scholarships and mentorship for aspiring college students and young entrepreneurs, aiming to forge paths of opportunity rather than despair.
The foundation recently gained acknowledgment from the Columbus City Council for its substantial contributions to community welfare, underscoring the ripple effect of Makenzi’s legacy.
While Seneca admits the void left by her daughter’s absence cannot be filled, she finds solace in her efforts through the foundation. “There’s a blend of sadness and joy in what we do now,” she explained. “I’m embracing Makenzi’s purpose and mine, transforming pain into something positive for many others.”
As National Gun Violence Awareness Month coincides with the anniversary of Makenzi’s death, her mother uses this time to intensify her advocacy, sharing her personal tragedy to echo the urgent need for action against community violence.
This year’s activities culminate with the third annual Orange Hearts for Makenzi Foundation scholarship award dinner, a community event organized to commend young individuals leading positive changes. It underscores a crucial message about providing alternatives and guidance to the youth, aiming to dismantle cycles of violence and crime.
DeVeonne Anthony, president of the foundation, emphasized the importance of community leadership in combating these issues. “We have to take responsibility for shaping the environment our young people grow up in,” Anthony stated. “It’s imperative we offer them options that steer them away from violence.”
The scholarship dinner, which adds a commemorative layer to the foundation’s initiatives, is set to take place at the Legacy Academy of Excellence. It promises not only to honor Makenzi’s memory but to inspire hope and action within the Columbus community, encouraging a future where such tragedies are less frequent, the youth are more empowered, and lost lives are meaningfully memorialized.