On Saturday, August 12, 2023, four families gathered in Columbus, Georgia, to hold a prayer vigil for their missing loved ones. The families of Imani Roberson, Shanita Boddie, Shaneka Gamble and Darius Robinson joined together in a show of solidarity and faith, hoping for answers and justice for their cases.
Imani Roberson, a mother of four, went missing on July 16, 2023, after having dinner at her mother’s home in Conyers, Georgia. Her SUV was later found burned in a wooded area in Atlanta. Her husband, Derrick Roberson, was arrested on August 7, 2023, and charged with her murder.
Shanita Boddie, a mother of two, went missing on July 4, 2023, after leaving her home in Columbus, Georgia. Her car was found abandoned on Interstate 185. Her family suspects foul play and believes she was abducted by someone she knew.
Shaneka Gamble, a mother of three, went missing on February 3, 2023, after dropping off her children at school in Phenix City, Alabama. Her car was found the next day in a parking lot in Columbus, Georgia. Her family has been searching for clues and offering rewards for any information.
Darius Robinson, a father of one, went missing on April 21, 2023, after leaving his home in Columbus, Georgia. His car was found the same day in a ditch near Fort Benning. His family has been pleading for the public’s help and praying for his safe return.
A vigil to honor and remember
The four families organized the prayer vigil at the Columbus Government Center with the help of Pastor Adrian Chester of Kingdom Faith Outreach Ministries. The vigil was attended by dozens of supporters, including friends, relatives, community members and local activists.
The families lit candles and released balloons in honor of their missing loved ones. They also shared their stories and expressed their gratitude for the support they have received. They urged anyone with information to come forward and help them find closure.
Pastor Chester led the group in prayer and offered words of comfort and encouragement. He said that the families are not alone and that God is with them. He also said that the vigil was a way to raise awareness and demand justice for the missing persons.
“We are here to let them know that we have not forgotten about them,” Chester said. “We are here to let them know that we are standing with them. We are here to let them know that we are praying with them. And we are here to let them know that we are believing God for a miracle.”
A call for action and accountability
The families also used the vigil as an opportunity to call for action and accountability from the authorities and the media. They said that they feel frustrated and ignored by the lack of progress and attention in their cases. They said that they want more resources and efforts to be dedicated to finding their loved ones.
They also said that they want more media coverage and public awareness for their cases. They said that they feel that their missing loved ones are not getting enough exposure and recognition because of their race and socioeconomic status.
“We need more media attention,” said Clarine Andujar-White, the mother of Imani Roberson. “We need more people to care about our children. We need more people to see our children as human beings.”
The families said that they will continue to fight for justice and hope for their missing loved ones. They said that they will not give up until they find out what happened to them and who is responsible.
They also said that they will continue to support each other and other families who are going through the same ordeal. They said that they have formed a bond and a network of mutual assistance and advocacy.
“We are family now,” said Ronald Acklin, the father of Imani Roberson. “We are here for each other. We are here to help each other. We are here to make sure that our loved ones are not forgotten.
