NORTH CHARLESTON, SC (WCBD) – The Lowcountry community is coming together to commit to change.

“We hosted an AAU tournament,” said Ronald Smith, father of Ronjanae Smith, who lost his life to gun violence in May 2021. “A memorial tournament for children. To be able to go out, represent her, get a trophy, win a championship. Anything to keep kids off the streets and to reduce violence.

The first Positive Vibe Memorial Basketball Tournament honors the life of Ronjanae Smith and also aims to end gun violence in North Charleston.

“We don’t want other parents to cry like we cried,” Smith said. “And right now, the violence has increased so much in the city of North Charleston. We will continue to lead this fight to stop the violence in all communities.

Some community leaders say events like this are effective in addressing gun violence, but want city leaders to be more proactive in the fight.

“In many communities,” said Pastor Thomas Dixon, “like right here in North Charleston, the city government and those in power, and those who have the financial means to effect change, do not not.”

Dixon believes that to bring about substantial change, all members of the community must work together.

“The community has to engage in this process,” he said, “but it’s not just the community. Our local municipal governments must understand their responsibility in breaking the cycle of gun violence. Our school system must understand its responsibility.

Smith’s parents say more than anything, they want to continue doing their part to bring about change in the community, while honoring their daughter.

“I know she’s smiling at us to see everyone there,” Smith said. “And tomorrow we have a ceremony and it will be even more beautiful. So the community can see what we do for my daughter and how we carry her name.

Sunday May 1st is the last day of the tournament. Games begin at the North Charleston Athletic Center at 9:00 a.m.