“Play for Peace” Honors Dawnn Jaffier's Legacy

The inaugural Playworks event in Boston's Roxbury neighborhood was held in honor of the 26-year-old woman who was gunned down during a parade in Dorchester.

Dawnn Jaffier's legacy was honored Saturday at Playworks' inaugural Play for Peace event in Boston, months after she was gunned down in the city's Dorchester neighborhood.

"The City of Boston lost an amazing and really talented youth worker," said Playworks Executive Director Max Fripp.

Hundreds of children and families enjoyed a day of fun and peace in Roxbury.

Coach Dawnn, as she was affectionately known, was active in several youth organizations in Boston, including City Year and Playworks.

The beloved 26-year-old was shot and killed, an innocent bystander attending a parade in August.

"I do look up to her," said friend Taneshia Davis, who says Jaffier's life has inspired many. "It's very unfortunate that she was taken away from us so soon, but her legacy will always live on for very obvious and productive reasons."

The idea of this event is to keep Jaffier's legacy going. For some, that means signing a board and making a promise for a more peaceful Boston.

"Unity is something that all people should practice, hospitality is very important," said Davis. "I think that's what Dawnn expressed most and I think that's also what people will remember the most."

"She really turned around these kids and made them think of themselves as humans who could do amazing, positives things," said Fripp.

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