Durham woman killed this week was anti-gun activist, community mentor

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A woman who was fatally shot early Monday morning was involved in the community as a mentor and anti-gun activist, her family says.

Durham police responding to a shooting call just before 2 a.m. on Rochelle Street found a woman who had been shot. She was pronounced dead after EMS took her to the hospital.

The family identified the woman to ABC11 as Michelle Kenan. Police later confirmed her identity as Linda Michelle Kenan, 51, of Durham.

Family members say she was heavily involved in her community as an advocate and mentor. She also had recently celebrated her birthday, they said.

The family released the following statement to ABC11, saying in part:

“We are losing the foundation of the Black community — the Black mother. The women who raise, nurture, protect, lead, and hold families together are being taken from us far too soon. Michelle’s life mattered. Her love mattered. Her work mattered. Her presence in this community mattered.”

The 5K Foundation Inc., where Kenan worked, is operated by her family. She had created a major initiative against gun violence called “Play Games, Not Guns,” the family says.

Family members who spoke to ABC11 said they’re heartbroken that she spent so much time trying to stop gun violence only to lose her life to it.

Killed inside her home

People who call Durham’s Rochelle Manor community home say they are devastated after Kenan was shot and killed inside her home early Monday morning.

Neighbors describe Kenan as a mother, community advocate and someone who worked to help stop gun violence in the area.

“She was a good lady,” said resident D’juan Mitchell. “She served the community. She fed the kids. She helped feed people who lived here. If you needed something to eat, she was there. Just a nice lady all around.”

Some neighbors say the violence in the community has become overwhelming.

“People need to understand that Rochelle (Manor) is not like it used to be,” one resident, who asked not to be identified, told ABC11.

The deadly shooting comes just days after another violent incident in the same community. Durham police aid slast week someone fired shots from a car toward three children walking home in Rochelle Manor. No injuries were reported in that incident.

Residents say the latest shooting has left many feeling unsafe in their own homes.

“You’re supposed to feel safe in your house,” said Mitchell. “But if you can’t feel safe in your house, where can you feel safe?”

Some neighbors tell ABC11 her death was the final straw and they are now planning to move out of the community.

“I’m working on getting out,” a resident told ABC11. “I’ve got to go. This is too much.”

Durham police are still investigating the shooting.

Anyone with any information is asked to call Corporal J. Justice at 919-560-4440 x29119 or call CrimeStoppers at (919) 683-1200. CrimeStoppers pays cash rewards of up to $2,000 for information leading to arrests in felony cases, and callers never have to identify themselves.

Statement from Chris & Tangela Kenan with 5K Foundation Inc., on Michelle Kenan:

“5K Foundation, Inc. is heartbroken by the senseless killing of our beloved family member, community ambassador, and supporter, Michelle Kenan.”

“Michelle was more than family — she was a mother, sister, aunt, friend, and a true servant of the community. She stood beside us in our mission to organize, promote, and support programs designed to fight against gang and gun violence in communities like Rochelle Manor and throughout Durham. She believed in the work. She believed in our youth. She believed in protecting families and creating safer spaces for our children to grow, play, and live.

“To lose Michelle to the very violence we work every day to prevent is devastating beyond words. This was a senseless crime that took the life of a woman deeply loved by so many. It has left another child without a mother, another family grieving, and another community forced to carry the weight of preventable violence.

“This has to stop.

“We are losing the foundation of the Black community — the Black mother. The women who raise, nurture, protect, lead, and hold families together are being taken from us far too soon. Michelle’s life mattered. Her love mattered. Her work mattered. Her presence in this community mattered.

“As we grieve, we also recommit ourselves to the mission Michelle supported: creating safe, positive, and meaningful opportunities for our youth and standing against the violence that continues to tear families apart.

“We ask the community to keep Michelle’s family, friends, and loved ones in prayer during this unimaginable time.

“Rest in power, Michelle Kenan. Your love, your service, and your impact will never be forgotten.”