ATLANTA'S MISSING & MURDERED CHILDREN MEMORIAL FESTIVAL
Our History
Sunshine’s Guardian Angels of Mercy Warriors, was founded on Labor Day September 1999, in honor of & later In Memory of our Father, the late John H. “Big Hat” Lewis Sr., a Civil Rights Icon. He was also a born fighter for the People’s Rights! We began as a Support group for the parents, families & friends of Atlanta’s Missing & Murdered Children and the Community. Our Dad stood strong & firm on Alll issues of Injustice‼️He was one of the Original Founders of Atlanta’s Missing & Murdered Childrens Search & Rescue Teams. It was organized in 1979 along with the late Senator Rev. Arthur Langford Jr. His brother, the late Michael Langford Sr. & WAOK Radio Host Derrick Boazman were College Students at the time, but both were very involved from the start, as well as General Larry Platt & many others. John “Big Hat” Lewis, as he was called, also founded The National Defense for Justice. Our Mother Thelma was his greatest supporter. As a result of the M&M Children, The Top Metro Alert Emergency Two-Way Radio Search & Rescue Team was founded by 4. Our Dad nominated C. E. Head as the President. His wife & 2 kids joined. Being the only Black member for two years, our Father was asked to draw up the Charter. Bubby Long was the 2nd Black solicited to join by our Dad. Over 300 members soon joined, but 1st in line was Homer Williams, his wife Faye & their young 15 year old son Wayne Williams. He was very sharp! Wayne was later accused & later charged & arrested for the killings of two young black men, but was not indicted on the murders of 29 black children that went missing & murdered. In April 29, 2008, non-profit organization, The Metro Atlanta Crisis Response Team Outreach Ministries Inc. was formed. We continued the intense Search & Rescue efforts of our Father. And voluntarily came to the aid of 1000’s of persons in crisis. John H. “Big Hat”Lewis wrote a book in 2006, at the age of 85, detailing his account of the worst period in Atlanta History, when A Dark Cloud hovered over our City. The book was entitled “The Black & White Cover Up of Atlanta’s Missing & Murdered Children!” Our Grace & Mercy Concierge Bereavement Services team (G &M) also known as the “Grace & Mercy Foot Soldiers, Walking Angels & Gods Warriors…was later organized In Loving Memory of my precious son Brandon Harris-Lewis, who died very tragically in a Sleep Study Death! G & M was launched on my son’s birthday December 18, 2017. We are dedicated to providing compassionate support during a difficult time of Grief. We offer a variety of services to help ease the burden of planning a Funeral or Memorial Service. We ask that you allow us to take care of the all of details so you can focus on the loss & memories of your loved one. Grace & Mercy Concierge Bereavement Service is committed to helping families find solace through a difficult time. Our annual ceremony is a special event where families and friends can come together to celebrate the life of their loved ones. Our mission is to provide support and stability through this challenging time!
The Original Missing & Murdered Children Monument
Displayed September1999 inside the Grant Park Area
Built by Herbert Moore, Owner of Atlanta Stone Depot
This two-year tragic event that occurred in Atlanta highlighted the importance of Unity within the Black community. Despite facing racism and threats, the community came together to protect their own and ensure the safety of their children. This tragedy ultimately led to Atlanta being recognized as a symbol of Black Power. We never want this to happen in our city again, no less anywhere else.