Dave Chappelle Set To Host Benefit Concert Honoring Dayton Mass Shooting Victims

Comedian Dave Chappelle is scheduled to host a benefit concert and community event Sunday honoring victims of the mass shooting in Dayton, Ohio, earlier this month.

The block party, called Gem City Shine, aims to honor the lives lost and to “reclaim the community’s favorite places to shop, dine and enjoy time with family and friends,” according to an event description on Facebook.

Chappelle, a longtime resident of Yellow Springs, a village about 20 miles from Dayton, will host the free event for community members alongside local and national entertainment. The comedian has encouraged attendees to “live in the moment” – rather than record the event on their cellphones – according to Gem City Shine organizers.

Dayton Mayor Nan Whaley celebrated Gem City Shine on Twitter, writing Wednesday that she was “so excited” about the event.

Guests will have opportunities to contribute to the Dayton Foundation’s Oregon District tragedy fund and the district’s business association while at the affair, organizers said.

Nine people were killed and dozens injured when a gunman opened fire in Dayton’s lively Oregon District on Aug. 4.

Ohio native John Legend visited the Oregon District to meet with communities and local businesses the following week. The Grammy-winning singer held an intimate concert for the families of the victims at a local bar.

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Pettit & Martin, 101 California

On July 1, 1993, Gian Luigi Ferri, armed with two Intratec TEC-DC9 semi-automatic assault pistols, a 45 caliber semi-automatic pistol, and 40- to 50-round high-capacity ammunition magazines, opened fire at the San Francisco, CA, law firm of Pettit & Martin, killing eight and and wounding six before taking his own life.
On July 1, 1993, Gian Luigi Ferri, armed with two Intratec TEC-DC9 semi-automatic assault pistols, a 45 caliber semi-automatic pistol, and 40- to 50-round high-capacity ammunition magazines, opened fire at the San Francisco, CA, law firm of Pettit & Martin, killing eight and and wounding six before taking his own life.

Columbine

On April 20, 1999, Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold, armed with an Intratec TEC-DC9 semi-automatic assault pistol, Hi-Point 9mm semi-automatic Carbine, two Savage shotguns, and high-capacity ammunition magazines, killed 13 and wounded 23 at Columbine High School in Littleton, CO, before taking their own lives.
On April 20, 1999, Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold, armed with an Intratec TEC-DC9 semi-automatic assault pistol, Hi-Point 9mm semi-automatic Carbine, two Savage shotguns, and high-capacity ammunition magazines, killed 13 and wounded 23 at Columbine High School in Littleton, CO, before taking their own lives.

Wedgewood Baptist Church

On September 15, 1999, Larry Gene Ashbrook, armed with a Sturm, Ruger P85 9mm semi-automatic pistol and three 15-round high-capacity magazines, opened fire at Wedgewood Baptist Church, killing seven and wounding seven before taking his own life.
On September 15, 1999, Larry Gene Ashbrook, armed with a Sturm, Ruger P85 9mm semi-automatic pistol and three 15-round high-capacity magazines, opened fire at Wedgewood Baptist Church, killing seven and wounding seven before taking his own life.

Xerox Office Building

On November 2, 1999, Byran Uyesugi, armed with a Glock 17 semi-automatic pistol and three 15-round high-capacity magazines, opened fire at the Xerox Office Building in Honolulu, HA, killing seven.  (AP file photo of Xerox Corporation headquarters in Norwalk, CT.)
On November 2, 1999, Byran Uyesugi, armed with a Glock 17 semi-automatic pistol and three 15-round high-capacity magazines, opened fire at the Xerox Office Building in Honolulu, HA, killing seven. (AP file photo of Xerox Corporation headquarters in Norwalk, CT.)

Virginia Tech

On April 16, 2007, Seung-Hui Cho, armed with a Glock 19 semi-automatic pistol,  Walther P22 semi-automatic pistol, and 15-round high-capacity ammunition magazines, killed 32 and wounded 17 on the campus of Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, VA, before taking his own life.
On April 16, 2007, Seung-Hui Cho, armed with a Glock 19 semi-automatic pistol, Walther P22 semi-automatic pistol, and 15-round high-capacity ammunition magazines, killed 32 and wounded 17 on the campus of Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, VA, before taking his own life.

Fort Hood

On November 5, 2009, Nidal Hasan, armed with an FN 5.7 semi-automatic pistol and 30- and 20-round high-capacity ammunition magazines, killed 13 and wounded more than 30 at the Fort Hood military base in Fort Hood, TX.
On November 5, 2009, Nidal Hasan, armed with an FN 5.7 semi-automatic pistol and 30- and 20-round high-capacity ammunition magazines, killed 13 and wounded more than 30 at the Fort Hood military base in Fort Hood, TX.

Hartford Distributors

On August 3, 2010, concealed handgun permit holder Omar Thornton, armed with a Sturm, Ruger SR9 semi-automatic pistol and high-capacity ammunition magazine, opened fire on his co-workers at beer distributor Hartford Distributors in Manchester, CT, killing eight and wounding two before taking his own life.
On August 3, 2010, concealed handgun permit holder Omar Thornton, armed with a Sturm, Ruger SR9 semi-automatic pistol and high-capacity ammunition magazine, opened fire on his co-workers at beer distributor Hartford Distributors in Manchester, CT, killing eight and wounding two before taking his own life.

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