West Philadelphia community honors 10-year-old Malayshia Allford at 'May May Day'

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Family, friends, and community members gathered at Morris Park in Overbrook on Sunday for "May May Day," an event honoring 10-year-old Malayshia Allford days after police found her body in the trunk of a vehicle in South Jersey.

Allford's foster mother, Carprice Williams, has been charged with her murder.

"All that she was going through, she kept a smile on her face. That's what I want everyone to remember her for: that beautiful smile," said Allford's uncle, Nafis Horne.

"We're all hurt. The community is definitely hurting," Allford's cousin, Tawanda Austin, said.

Austin said she was surprised by the number of people who came out to support the family.

"I didn't expect this turnout. Malayshia has definitely impacted the community," Austin said.

Horne said the support has helped the family as they grieve.

"This is keeping the family positive with all the love we're getting from the community- all the people that never even knew my niece," Horne said.

Neighbors also handed out free food and clothing to people in need during the gathering.

"It's sad that it had to be for this incident for this situation to have everyone come together, but I'm grateful for it," said Aamina Wright, who created The Village for Our Children.

Community members said they are now turning their pain into purpose as they seek justice for Allford and other children in similar situations.

"The city had one job, and that was to protect all the children, not just Malayshia," Austin said. "Why aren't there more investigations or protocols in place so that this could be prevented? Because it seems like this is becoming a theme in the city with young children that are being abused and hurt."

Horne said he wants accountability and changes to the system.

"I need accountability for everyone involved. This shouldn't happen to another kid, and it's sad it happened to my niece, but changes are coming," he said.

Family members and residents said Sunday's gathering is just the beginning of their movement for change. More gatherings honoring Allford are expected this week.

They also hope to one day have a law named in her honor.