Mother continues fight against gun violence ahead of “May Day for Desaray” walk in Savannah

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - A Savannah mother is turning grief into action as she prepares for the second annual “May Day for Desaray” Community Walk, honoring her daughter and raising awareness about gun violence.

Nearly four years after the death of her daughter Desaray Gilliard, her mother, Detraya, says the pain remains just as real, but so does her determination to seek justice and prevent similar tragedies.

Desaray was killed in a shooting at the Yamacraw Housing Projects in 2022, an area her mother says has long struggled with violence.

She describes her daughter as kind, driven, and full of promise, with dreams of becoming a doctor and a passion for helping others in her community.

“She was more than a statistic,” Detraya said. “She mattered to so many people.”

In response to her daughter’s death, Detraya launched the “May Day for Desaray” Community Walk last year. The event returns May 6, marking the fourth anniversary of Desaray’s death. She says the walk is meant not only to honor her life, but also to bring the community together to take a stand against gun violence across Savannah.

The event will include music, live performances, a DJ, and keynote speakers. It will conclude with a walk to Desaray’s memorial site, where participants will hold a balloon release and candlelight vigil in her honor.

Detraya has also taken steps to preserve that memorial, installing a protective enclosure and regularly maintaining the site to ensure it remains a respectful place of remembrance.

Beyond the annual walk, she continues her advocacy year-round. She created “Desaray’s Corner,” a podcast focused on raising awareness and amplifying the voices of other families impacted by gun violence.

Each year on Desaray’s birthday, February 15, she also honors her with a billboard tribute to keep her memory alive.

Despite the years that have passed, Detraya says she is still actively seeking answers in her daughter’s case, continuing to work with investigators and push for accountability.

She hopes the upcoming walk will encourage people across Savannah, even those who did not know Desaray, to come together in unity.

“This is bigger than just my daughter,” Detraya said. “It’s about everyone we’ve lost to gun violence. It’s about coming together as one city.”

This year’s event will be held at Yamacraw Square, across from First Bryan Baptist Church at 128 West Bay Street, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Local businesses, including Baker’s Pride and Kroger, have partnered with organizers to support the event. Still, Detraya says she hopes to see even more community involvement in the future.

Her message is simple: ending gun violence requires a united effort.

“This is not a competition,” she said. “It’s about us coming together for the betterment of our city and our future.”