07-04-2025
Families of gun violence victims gather to advocate for change
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) — This week is National Crime Victims' Rights Week. To commemorate the week, the Alabama chapter of Voices of Black Mothers United held a Youth Summit in Birmingham.
The organization's goal is to find solutions to gun violence.
Sunday, a room full of families who have lost loved ones to gun violence came together to advocate for change and find ways to end shootings in their communities.
Marqurita Treadwell lost her son in 2023. The 37-year-old father was gunned down outside his work in Birmingham.
His mother says she comes to events like Sunday's youth summit to show the effect gun violence has.
'When you're killing the victim, also the family members that loved them are dying. He has left behind five kids that need their father,' Treadwell said.
The state lead for Voices of Black Mothers United, Jessica Barnes, says that the goal of the event is to show families like Treadwell's that there is support out there.
'Even though you lost a loved one, they are not forgotten. They are loved, you are loved, you can go on and continue life. It's going to be different; it's going to be hard, but with the support of the community, your family and friends, you can go on and life a new normal life,' Barnes said.
There was a panel discussion that included Birmingham area youth and local leaders.
Treadwell says there's one thing she wants people to take away from the summit.
'Seeing this pain that not only myself, but other mothers and fathers and other family members are going through,' she said.
Voices of Black Mothers United hosts events like this year-round. More information on the group can be found here.
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