Latest news with #VoicesofBlackMothersUnited
Yahoo
09-04-2025
- Yahoo
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 This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
07-04-2025
- Yahoo
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. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
