Three years after Leakesville Day began as a way to remember friends who died, organizers are looking ahead to what they hope will become a lasting community tradition.
The Men of Leakesville, a group of community organizers and leaders, hosted the third annual celebration Sept. 5. Member DeAngelo Peters said the event has grown each year and could look much different a decade from now.
“Very large, very, very large,” Peters said when asked where he sees the event in 10 years. “It’s getting bigger every year.”
Leakesville Day grew from loss. Peters said the idea developed after two people close to him died around the same time of year.
Rather than hold a remembrance centered on one person, Peters wanted to create something that included everyone who had been lost.
“Instead of just celebrating one person, I’m not going to forget about anybody,” Peters said.
That idea evolved into a community gathering centered on family, remembrance and giving back.
This year’s event included free food, children’s activities, music and live entertainment. Peters said members of the Men of Leakesville contribute to help make the celebration possible.
“It’s a day to come out and enjoy yourself with family and friends,” he said.
For fellow member Anthony Molten, Leakesville Day is also a homecoming.
He grew up in Leakesville before retiring from in the military in North Carolina, where he still lives, though he returns for Leakesville Day each year.
“On this day, I come back and I give back to my community,” Molten said.
He said community service has remained part of his life away from Leakesville. In North Carolina, he has helped feed people who are homeless and participated in other community and church outreach efforts.
He traces that desire to serve back to his upbringing.
“This is our home, and we’re all brothers,” Molten said. “We come together, and we just put this show on. We just try to do what we can for the community.”
Molten said he has been part of all three Leakesville Day celebrations and plans to be there for “the next 33 also.”
For Peters, the goal is for the event to continue growing while remaining a place for people to reconnect with family and friends.
