Cedars, September 2019

by Chloie Benton O n Aug. 4, the Dayton community fell to its knees after Ohio’s largest mass shooting claimed the lives of nine people and injured 27 others. The 24-year-old gunman entered the popular Oregon District early Sunday morning with an AR-15-style assault rifle and a 100-round drum magazine. He fired for 32 seconds, killing nine, including his sister, Megan, before the police shot and killed him in the doorway of a packed bar. Rose Tyler, a Dayton resident and friend of the shooter’s sister, was shocked when she learned of the shooting in her hometown and grief-stricken when she learned of Megan’s death. Tyler remembers Megan as “hilariously funny and very kind” and wants to honor her legacy by not living in fear. Tyler encourages the Dayton commu- nity to move forward by “reawakening our sense of community. It is incredibly easy to disconnect from one another, and at this time we need to realize everyone is suffer- ing together. We can find hope in the love and support which is emerging in the wake of tragedy.” Dayton has already taken the first steps on the road to recovery. A tragedy fund for Oregon District victims and their families was set up by the Dayton Founda- tion, and money quickly began pouring in. Days after the shooting, “Dayton Strong” T-shirts were produced and sold by Heart Mercantile, a gift shop located in the Oregon District, with all proceeds go- ing toward the Oregon District fund. Other stores joined in, selling various gift para- phernalia and donating proceeds. Immediately following the shooting, Dave Chapelle, the famous comedian who lives in Yellow Springs, initiated “Gem City Shine,” a benefit concert in the Oregon District focused on remembering the vic- tims and restoring joy in the grieving com- munity. Chapelle was joined by Chance the Rapper, Stevie Wonder, Talib Kweli and other artists to bring light into the grieving city. The crowd was a blend of emotions, but amidst tears Dayton experienced the power of community as 20,000 people gathered to heal through the power of music. Oregon District restaurants opened and welcomed customers, reporting overwhelming and heartwarming love and support. The con- cert raised almost $70,000 for the Oregon District fund, which has now reached over $2.5 million. Almost a month after the tragedy, Ore- gon District streets are reminiscent and re- spectful of victims and their families. “Day- ton Strong” signs are plastered on brick buildings, hung from fences, and written in chalk on the sidewalk. Pink, yellow and blue crocheted blankets are wrapped around light poles with encouraging notes attached. Window panes are covered in multicolored sticky notes, with handwritten affirmations and encouragement for readers to live well and love others deeply. One rain-warped post-it reads “The world would be a better place if there were more people like you,” and another: “You can inspire others.” They are collectively signed with the quote “we rise by lifting others everyday,” a motto which has been adopted by Oregon District residents. Shops and restaurants exhibit signs encouraging passers-by to stay strong and support Dayton in the midst of pain. Other notes are made out to the Day- ton Police, thanking them for their coura- geous service. Undoubtedly the most touching work gracing the street is a memorial to the vic- tims found in a small alcove of an empty store. A charcoal artwork displays the faces of the individuals who lost their lives. “We Will Never Forget” and “Dayton Strong” are written around the faces. Yellow and white roses surround the memorial as well as star ornaments and post-it notes. Moving forward from the tragedy will be difficult, but Oregon District residents are not willing to give up. A joyful resi- dent has spent his weekends dressing up as Spider-Man and standing in front of Oregon District stores, high-fiving kids and posing for pictures. His goal is to help Dayton recover by “showing a lot of love, supporting the Dis- trict, and making people smile despite the tragedy.” Chloie Benton is a senior Cedarville Uni- versity student and an Off-Campus writer for Cedars. September 2019 8 OFF-CAMPUS Dayton Strong: Recovery in the Wake of Mass Shooting Photo by Chloie Benton Dayton citizens are free to write encouraging notes to the city on this display in the wake of tragedy.