LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) — A special block party was held Wednesday evening to celebrate the start of school and remember activist Anita Franklin, whose work to combat youth violence continues through her son.

Ricardo Franklin has stepped into his mother's former role as Community Outreach Coordinator for the Fayette County Sheriff, carrying forward her mission of bringing the community together.

"Seeing her impact, the way she's touched people still to this day, that means a lot to me," Ricardo said.

"She laid such a great foundation for me to follow in her footsteps. She made it so easy for me to pick up right where she left off and run with it," he said.

Anita Franklin passed away in 2020. She was known for her work to combat youth violence after her son, and Ricardo's brother, Anton

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