DECATUR, Alabama — The celebration continues for the life of Steve Perkins, the man who was shot and killed by Decatur Police more than three months ago. January 4th would have been Steve's 40th birthday, and Saturday the community and his family are keeping his legacy alive by celebrating the man they knew and loved.
FOX54 caught up with Standing in Power Co-Founders Adrianna Tapscott and Aneesah Saafiyah ahead of the big event.
"So tonight, we're celebrating Steve's birthday and his legacy. His birthday was on January 4th. We celebrated it, bringing in a parade for him, and, you know, we supported Jada [Steve's daughter] at the Austin, Decatur High game. Earlier, we had a panel discussion. So tonight, we celebrate his legacy with his family, his close family and friends and a lot of people here in the community to him," explained Saafiyah.
Standing in Power Co-Founder Adrianna Tapscott said Steve deserves to be honored and recognized in this way.
"You know, the media has defamed his character. The city has defamed his character, and so us, his family and friends, we're coming to celebrate who he is, a great father, a great husband, and a great man."
Saafiyah described Perkins was a man who truly loved his family and community.
"Steve was first and foremost a God fearing man. He never met a stranger. He would be the standard and the example of what you deemed a man to be."
Tapscott agrees and shares what she admired most about Perkins.
"The thing that really sticks out to me is Catrela always says that you know, he was the man that she prayed for. So not only was he a great husband, but he was an answered prayer." said Tapscott.
Saafiyah also adds that this event would not be possible without the community pulling together to make it all happen.
"We just want to thank all the sponsors of this event and the people who pulled through to make this event possible." said Saafiyah, "We did this fantastic event within less than three months. So that's how much the community pulled together. The sponsors, the people who really love the family came together for Steve, and justice for Steve Perkins."