Wilkerson's family and friends threw a birthday party Saturday at the Dubois School as their way to honor his memory. Several gospel and religious groups took the stage in a musical tribute to Wilkerson.
C.J.'s mother, Tracy Gill, was honored by the crowd but said little. For many, the loss is still too fresh in their minds.
"It's about a family healing and it's about a community healing," says friend William Hinton.
Wilkerson was kidnapped in January by his stepfather, Derrick Glover. Policefound his bodyfour months later in a wooded area in Raleigh.
Glover is serving 48 to 60 years in jail for the murder.
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