WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — 10 years ago on October 13, 2013, the Wilkes-Barre music scene lost an important and influential member of their community.
Michael Onley, better known as DJ Mo, was honored Friday for the fond memories held by those who knew him.
DJ Mo was shot and killed in 2013 outside a bar in Wilkes-Barre.
His family and friends honored him Friday with a candle-lit walk from Wilkes-Barre’s Public Square to Wilkes University.
“October 13, about two in the morning, he was pronounced gone,” said Javar Josey from Wilkes-Barre.
Michael Onley, better known as DJ Mo, was a community activist and a talented DJ. He was killed by a stray bullet outside of a bar in Wilkes-Barre on October 13, 2013.
Ten years later, those who knew him and loved him walked in his honor.
One person, two people come out and see, you know, just to honor somebody like himself. He’s not just a man or a legend, he’s an angel now,” continued Joesy.
With candles in hand, the crowd made their way from Public Square in Wilkes-barre to the Wilkes-University radio station.
Something that is symbolic for Kristen Rock who attributes her start in radio to the guidance of DJ Mo.
“He really trained me in the studio, how to be a DJ, how to be on the air, the studio the equipment, and all of that so I really owe it to him,” explained Rock.
Wilkes-Barre City Mayor George Brown was there to solidify the day.
“On behalf of all the citizens of the city of Wilkes-Barre, I do hereby proclaim October 13th of 2023 as ‘DJ Mo Day,” said Mayor Brown.
It is now a day to celebrate rather than mourn. Something that means the world to DJ Mo’s family.
DJ Mo’s mom says this day is something her son would be proud to see.
“Very pleased, very honored, and very impressed that he meant so much to the community. I know how I hold him in my heart, so this tells me that he’s in the hearts of others,” added Najada Pilgrim DJ Mo’s mom.
His mom now dedicates her time to spreading awareness after losing two of her sons to gun violence.
“If Mike was here, he would be very, very pleased. In fact, he would be in the forefront. This was what he was about. Helping people, promoting peace, you know what I’m saying? Stopping the violence,” Najada Pilgrim DJ Mo’s mom.
Her organization, “Peace Onley Foundation”, is in honor of them.
“Put the guns down. you know, people are dying every day and we have to put a stop to it. we have to be part of the solution,” continued Pilgrim.
Between the dedications and a brand-new portrait of DJ Mo hung in his honor he will not soon be forgotten in the city of Wilkes-Barre.
The walk ended with live entertainment and a photo dedicated to DJ Mo in the university.
Visit their website to learn more about the “Peace Onley Foundation” which was made in memory of “Mike” and his brother.
