A Newark man who hasn't been able to feel his legs or walk in over two years due to a shooting that left him paralyzed in East Orange has taken his first steps in Downtown Newark on Friday afternoon.
Officials and organizers from the "First Step, Wheelchair to Walk," demonstrated for those who are suffering from paralysis due to gun violence when they took to the streets of Newark for a one-mile walk from Newark's City Hall to Lincoln Park.
Inspiring this historical day was Anthony Alexander a Newark resident.
Mr. Alexander lost feeling in his legs after a shooting that took place outside of a night club in the city of East Orange.
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According to Alexander, the incident happened in the late hours of February 22, 2015, while at Bogies Night Club, where his younger brother had an album release party at the establishment.
Alexander said, while in the party, he noticed a group of guys watching his brother.
Not comfortable with the situation, Alexander encouraged his brother to leave the nightclub.
While exiting the club, two unidentified males began taunting his brother who ultimately resulted in a physical altercation between the men.
While immediately coming to his brother's defense, multiple rounds of gunfire rang out, striking Anthony in his Liver, Kidney and Spinal Cord.
Anthony was hospitalized and spent several months at Kessler Rehab Institute where he gained strength and confidence to possibly one day walk again.
According to Anthony, there are a good number of young males who are in Kessler Institute who are suffering from debilitating injuries and are wheelchair bound due to gun violence that are left in the quiet shadows or no one ever hear their stories.
Anthony said Friday's event gave him mental strength to keep moving and the spirit to never give up.
The organization and family of Alexander would like to thank the Newark Police Department, The Honorable Mayor Ras Baraka, and all city officials who assisted on Friday's historic walk.