Deanna McKinney says loss is a part of life, something that is impossible to change. Where people can make a difference, she says, is in their actions after a loss.
McKinney's 18-year-old son, Tymel McKinney, was shot and killed on his front porch on Sixth Street in the West Side of Charleston in 2014.
"It's hard when people don't stop by to see how you're doing, or don't check in when you're hurting," she said. "I don't want to be like that. I go out in the community every day, and that's how you make a difference: by being consistent, bringing hope and being true."
Rainy conditions weren't enough to dampen the mood at the third-annual Get to Know Me Block Party, held Saturday afternoon on Sixth Street. The event, started by Deanna McKinney, originated as a way to celebrate the life of Tymel McKinney, but has grown to become a way to also build community and friendships among West Side residents, even in the face of tragedy.
"That's why I do this: because I have hope," she said. "If I didn't have hope when my baby, my only child, lost his life, I could have really lost it. But I chose to try a different route. Instead of being angry, I should give love."
The event featured games, music and food for the dozens of attendees on hand, many of which had a close connection to Tymel McKinney or his family.
"We've seen so much support around here, and we have been holding more events like this and breaking bread with each other," said Thomasina McKinney, the aunt of Tymel McKinney. "It's like a big family."
Members of the Charleston Police Department were also on hand. Lt. Steve Cooper, chief of detectives for Charleston police, said they were there to socialize and build relationships with residents in the area. He added that events like the block party are important to create a positive atmosphere for children and teenagers in the neighborhood.
"[Deanna McKinney] does so much and is almost like a mother to many of the kids on the West Side," Cooper said. "You can see it here today. Even the rain can't keep people away."
Charleston City Clerk JB Akers, who is also a lawyer in the city, said the block party is a type of event "you can't put a price on" because of difficulties West Side residents often encounter.
"It's not always easy in this part of town, because of recent issues and crime," he said. "But any sort of support for things like this helps. It could really help us see its turnaround."
Morgan Ruffin drove eight hours from his home in New York to Charleston to make the event and offer support for the McKinney family.
"It's a long drive, but we do it to support each other, that's how we make each other and our communities better," said Ruffin, who went to school with members of the McKinney family in New York.
Reach Max Garland at max.garland@wvgazettemail.com, 304-348-4886 or follow @MaxGarlandTypes on Twitter.