News Summary
Jacksonville has renamed Lenox Square on the Westside to honor Tiphne Hollis, a teenager tragically killed in a drive-by shooting in 2010. The new name represents a tribute to Tiphne’s memory and her family’s ongoing efforts to seek justice for her unsolved murder. The street leads to the Tiphne Darshay Hollis Foundation, and a school established in her name. An official ribbon-cutting ceremony is set for August, where family and supporters will gather to remember Tiphne and promote awareness around violence in the community.
Jacksonville has officially renamed Lenox Square on the Westside to honor the memory of Tiphne Hollis, a teenager whose life was tragically cut short in 2010 by a drive-by shooting. The name change serves as a lasting tribute to Hollis, who was only 16 years old when she was killed on March 20, 2010, while riding in a vehicle with her friends and cousins.
The murder of Tiphne Hollis remains a cold case, with no arrests having been made despite ongoing community efforts to seek justice. The incident occurred on Belfort Street in the Mixon Town area of Jacksonville, marking a dark chapter in the city’s history. Her mother, Shanda Whitaker-Ward, has dedicated herself to keeping Tiphne’s memory alive and advocating for justice. Whitaker-Ward has organized marches, distributed flyers, and spoken publicly about her daughter’s unsolved murder in an effort to gather more information.
The newly named street leads to the Tiphne Darshay Hollis Foundation and a school established in her memory, further solidifying her legacy within the community. An official ribbon-cutting ceremony for the renamed street is slated for August, where family, friends, and supporters are expected to gather in remembrance of Tiphne and to promote awareness of her story.
Despite the significant passage of time since Tiphne’s murder, her family remains unwavering in their pursuit of justice, articulating their ongoing emotional struggles and the heavy burden of loss. They believe her murder may have been a case of mistaken identity, speculating that the car she was in could have been mistakenly targeted by the shooters.
In an effort to honor her legacy, the family has organized numerous community events designed to raise awareness about the impact of violence and to keep Tiphne’s name at the forefront of local discussions. The Tiphne Darshay Hollis Academy continues to operate in her memory, engaging the community through various outreach programs aimed at fostering a safer environment for youth.
Tiphne Hollis was known for her caring nature, often described as a peacemaker among her peers. She held aspirations of attending college and worked diligently at a local daycare during her teenage years. Her untimely death left a void that resonates deeply with her family and community members.
In recognition of her profound impact on the community, Mayor Lenny Curry had previously declared the week of March 20th as Tiphne Hollis Week, encouraging local citizens to remember her and her contributions. This annual event serves as a reminder of the ongoing violence in Jacksonville and the collective responsibility to work towards solutions that prevent further tragedies.
Tiphne’s family, in collaboration with community activists, has been steadfast in their commitment to combat gun violence and to foster unity within the Jacksonville community. Their efforts reflect a broader desire for change, aiming to ensure that no other family endures the heartbreak they have experienced. Through continuous advocacy and remembrance, Tiphne Hollis’s legacy endures as a symbol of resilience and hope for a safer community.
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- First Coast News
- News4Jax
- Jacksonville.com
- Legacy.com
- News4Jax
- Wikipedia: Tiphne Hollis
- Google Search: Tiphne Hollis
- Google Scholar: Tiphne Hollis
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Tiphne Hollis
- Google News: Tiphne Hollis