"Eleven Angels of Imperial Avenue": balloon and dove release honors Sowell victims

CLEVELAND - Members of the community will remember 11 women killed by Cleveland serial killer Anthony Sowell with a memorial service, dove release, and balloon launch at Luke Easter Park on Monday, September 5.

The "One Thousand Balloons for the Angels of Imperial Avenue" event will be a part of the activities of the 40th annual Eleventh Congressional District Community Caucus Labor Day Parade and Festival. The events will take place at the stage near the corner of Martin Luther King Junior Boulevard and Dickens Avenue beginning at 2:00 p.m.

This memorial event was initiated by Marcella Boyd Cox, Chief Marketing Officer for the E.F. Boyd & Son Funeral Home and Crematory. Festival attendees will be asked to volunteer to participate in the launch of more than 1,000 biodegradable latex ballons and 11 doves.

Organizers say the goal of the balloon release is to show community support  for the eleven victims and their families while also increasing awareness of violence against women.

The Eleventh District Caucus Parade and Festival is an annual Labor Day tradition that was begun by former Cleveland mayor, Carl Stokes, and his brother, former 21st and 11th District Congressman Louis Stokes, 40 years ago. In addition to the balloon launch this year's festival will feature a special tribute to Congressman Louis Stokes.