Event held in Newport News to commemorate National Crime Victim Rights week
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (WAVY) — An event was held in Newport News Tuesday night to recognize National Crime Victim Rights week.
The 'Give Us Humility' event was hosted by the Virginia Chapter of Voices of Black Mothers United. It brought together victims of crime, survivors and their families.
Shana Turner is the state lead for the organization, and she's also someone who knows what it's like to experience loss.
'My son, Shaquille Turner, got murdered on 12-12-2017, to senseless gun violence. So that's why I say I'm a survivor for him and my family as well,' Turner said.
Speakers shared stories of human trafficking, domestic violence and what it's like to lose a loved one to crime.
'It's not about I live over here and you live over there. We have to come together as a community,' Turner said.
Sherry Bishop lost two relatives to gun violence, including her own son. She found comfort while attending the event knowing she's not alone.
'I came out because it's important that we support each other, especially the survivors who have lost our loved ones in the community,' Bishop said. 'We see that someone's doing something, you know, bringing everybody together, that people are recognizing that we have a need for to come together,'
There were resources for domestic violence victims provided by the Newport News Commonwealth's Attorney's Office. There was also information on how to store guns safely provided by Moms Demand Action.
Felicia Cowfer lost her son to gun violence and came to get to know others who have a similar story to hers.
'I want to connect with some of the people that have overcome either being the victim of this murder of a family member or different crimes, different tragedies, but they've taken it and been able to turn it into something positive for themselves, for their family and for the community. That's what my hope is,' Cowfer said.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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