John—

November 30, 2015 was the day my life changed forever.

My 23-year-old son Tyrell and his 21-year-old friend Jamal were murdered
by senseless gun violence in Summerville, South Carolina. Two young men
with a lifetime ahead of them—taken from us with no warning.

Tyrell's murder changed the dynamics of our entire family. He left behind
a loving wife: his high school sweetheart, and their son who turned three
years old just days after his father's murder. Our family lost a son,
husband, father, nephew, cousin, grandson, and friend who had a unique
relationship with each of us.

After Tyrell's death, I decided to channel my pain into purpose and got
involved in the gun violence prevention movement. I joined the Everytown
Survivor Network and founded my own organization, We Are Their Voices, to
support others experiencing the same heartbreaking tragedy I did.

Tyrell's story is devastatingly common, especially for Black Americans: 1
in 3 Black people know or care about someone who was killed with a gun.

Gun violence is tearing our communities and families apart. But I'm
comforted knowing that there are Black leaders in the gun violence
prevention movement who are working tirelessly to make sure no other
family experiences this pain.

[ [link removed] ]As Black History Month comes to an end, read the stories of Black
activists who are pushing our movement forward.

[ [link removed] ]READ OUR STORIES

Tyrell was smart, funny, athletic, handsome, and had the most amazing
smile. He had a way of making everybody feel like they were the most
important person. As his mom, I will spend the rest of my life honoring
his memory and making sure that his son knows who his father was.

When I sit still now, I think about my son, the memories we shared, and
the last picture we took together. My heart is overwhelmed with my love
for him. I can hear a whisper of his voice that says, "I am proud of you
and THAT'S WHAT'S UP MA!"

And I'll continue doing this work to be his voice.

Thank you for being in this movement,

Tisa Whack
She/Her/Hers
Founder, [ [link removed] ]We Are Their Voices
Everytown Survivor Network


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