Lenora Draper, a 32-year-old community activist, was tragically killed on April 26, 2014, in Chicago after attending an anti-violence fundraiser. Draper had just returned home from "A Charitable Confection," a fundraiser for Project Orange Tree, an anti-violence initiative created by Chicago teenagers to combat gun violence. She was sitting in her car outside her residence in the West Pullman neighborhood when she was shot. It is believed that the shooting was either a drive-by attack or occurred amidst a gang shootout, leading to her untimely death.
Lenora Draper was a highly active and respected member of her community. Originally from Houston, Texas, she had made Chicago her home, where she lived with her husband, Jason. She worked as a senior grants analyst for the Chicago Public Schools, volunteered as a Girl Scout leader, and supported multiple sclerosis charities. Draper was also involved in her church and had a passion for makeup artistry. She had recently completed her master’s degree from DePaul University, demonstrating her dedication to personal growth and education.
Her family described her as a caring individual who was deeply committed to bettering her community, making her death all the more tragic and ironic given her dedication to reducing violence. They have since called on local leaders to intensify efforts to control gun violence, pointing to the ease of access to firearms as a significant factor in these types of tragedies. Draper's death served as a stark reminder of the persistent issue of violence affecting Chicago, and her family and friends continue to honor her memory by advocating for change in her name.
