DETROIT – A drive-by shooting on Friday, June 27, at Skinner Playfield in Detroit left two dead, 4-year-old Samir Grubbs and 18-year-old Daviyon Shelmonson Bey.
Samir was shot in the back while climbing the ladder to his favorite place in the park, while 18-year-old Daviyon was fatally shot in the chest after jumping in front of a bullet, saving another child’s life.
Skinner Park was designed in 2013 by Sandra Turner-Handy with the assistance of Denby High School students. The idea of the park was to create a space where the children in the community felt safe. With two lives lost, the community is demanding a change to make Detroit’s children feel protected.
Both families are now hoping Samir and Daviyon’s deaths can spark change.
Community leaders, advocates, and grieving parents have taken action on Detroit’s east side to launch “Protect the Zone,” a summer safety campaign aimed at preventing violence in neighborhoods, schools, and parks.
Community groups, police, school officials, and families are all coming together to stress that the children in Detroit should not have to live in fear.
Sound Mind Sound Body Foundation has partnered with the Yorkshire Black Club, Detroit Police Department, the Rapper Trick Trick, The Balmer Group/Unity Way, Denby High School and several Criminal Violence Intervention Organizations to host a Unity in the Community Event July 2,2025 from 1-4 p.m.
This event will include football drills on Denby’s Football Field, Basketball Games at Skinner Park, a DJ and free food for the community.
“We would like to shine a positive light on Denby High School, the entire Detroit Public School Community District and Skinner Playfield,” said Curtis Blackwell, executive director of Sound Mind Sound Body
Blackwell said that hosting this event means that the neighbors, children and families feel safe in their neighborhood.