CLEVELAND — On Friday, Justice 4 Aniya Foundation is holding a child abuse awareness drive Friday to honor and celebrate what would have been Aniya-Day Garrett’s 7th birthday.
Her life ended at just 4 years old when she died from a stroke caused by a blow to her head about 10 days to two weeks before the day she was taken to the hospital. Her death was ruled a homicide.
Aniya’s mother Sierra Day and her mother’s boyfriend, Deonte Lewis, were both found guilty in her death.
Her tragic death sparked conversations surrounding child abuse in the county. Aniya’s father, Mickhal Garrett, filed a wrongful-death lawsuit against county social workers and the private daycare employees, among others, who he believed could have prevented her death. On June 23, the county approved the $3 million settlement to Garrett.
To honor her life, there will be a car parade on Friday, starting at noon at the Jane Edna Hunter Social Services building, located at 3955 Euclid Avenue.
The procession will ride to River of Life Ministries, 24600 Lakeshore Boulevard, in Euclid.
All donations from the event will be given to local organizations helping children.
Attendees from the community are asked to wear pink for Aniya, as well as take safety precautions by wearing a mask and gloves due to COVID-19.
For additional coverage on Aniya Garrett, click here.
RELATED: Cuyahoga County Council approves $3 million settlement to father of Aniya-Day Garrett
