Two Young Men Survive Through the Ultimate Tragedy

Readers...

I had a moving conversation with a family today that had me in absolute tears.  My heart is so heavy having connected to this family.

The story...

Two young men, 15 and 17, awakened to the sound of a phone ringing, a mobile phone that they shared that their mother had provided for them.  They missed the phone call and had to listen to the voicemail.  What they heard would be the most tragic thing they ever heard in their lives.

Their father left a message telling them that he had killed their mother and that he was going to kill himself.  He wished them a good life, then killing himself.  

The children confirmed the death of their mother from their visit to the murder site.  It was devastating.

Today, they were able to tell me their story over the phone.  I listened as they told me the difficult story of their mother's death.  I told them my story.  Their uncle listening intently, all the while, giving all of us support.

I was so inspired by their resilience today.  They were so strong to discuss the murder today.  

I simply wanted to reach out my hand and give them so much support for their loss.  If people who murdered only knew how much they were impacting others' lives, they would not kill.

These young men are scarred for life.  But, I told them that together we will get through this. 

Not to mention, their uncle and aunt also lost a son.  He was also killed.  

There is so much work to do.  It starts now.  I encourage you to be strong out there and make sure that you have a plan for leaving your relationship.  Safety is the key.  Both my mother and these young men's mother did not have the proper tools in order to make a decision to leave.  

For a safety plan, go to www.afterthetrauma.com.  Mildred Muhammed has a book that you can buy that has a plan in it.  I am developing my own book and safety plan as well.  It is imperative that we provide others with tools to strengthen and rebuild their lives.

Thanks for your energy and time.

Til next time...

What I Am Up To -- Changing the World By Changing Me

It's been a while since I blogged and it's been quite busy for me lately. There are so many opportunties and events to attend. Working diligently on behalf of several causes is exciting. There was one time in my life when I could not even see straight. I could not envision my life taking shape and being positive. So, I am grateful for this day. This is a day when I can rejoice and be glad that I have an opportunity for another chance to make a difference in life. Have you made that choice? What is your choice today? Are you in a dilemma that precludes you from making a positive choice in life? Well, it is time to make a decision to be strong, have courage to reach deep inside of you -- pulling that survival instinct out and going for it. And, that's what I have been doing lately. I am involved in many positive projects and I value my work. I know that it is tough, but we must reach out for help if we feel stressed and motivate ourselves.

Next week, I address a room full of practitioners and professionals in the area of victims assistance. Over 500 folks will be listening to me tell my story of tragedy. They will listen to what happened and what did I do to turn things around. What tools did I use? Who helped me? I am excited about giving this group tools that they can use in order to help rebuild lives in their communities and on their jobs. That's what life is all about. Being there for others is key.

Thanks to the National Center for Victims of Crime and to the Office for Victims of Crime within the Department of Justice, Justice Programs for allowing me to be a small part of the effort to educate and learn from professionals for the benefit of victims who are suffering as we speak.

Til next time...

Violence in Chicago finds a Another Combatant

Hello Readers...

Last evening I addressed an amazing group of people for a great cause. Alderman/Committeeman Sandi Jackson and 7th Ward Independent Political Organization hosted a benefit to Stop the Violence. The program was held at The Park At Fourteenth on 14th Street, N.W., downtown D.C.

Anwan "Big G" Glover of HBO's The Wire, began the program with a welcome and introduction of Bonita Parker, Chief of Staff for Alderman Sandi Jackson. Following was a blissful and beautiful rendition of Lift Ev'ry Voice and Sing by Jessica Gabrielle Chambliss.

Then, I spoke. My message was rooted in bringing attention to violence and the impact that violence has on victims and survivors. I asked those in attendance to ensure that they reached out to those in need.

Kouri Marshall, A. Scott Bolden, Ronald Moten and Jauhar Abraham all made touching and heartfelt speeches. Peaceoholics, Moten and Abraham acknowledged graduates who were once a part of their program to engage and educate youth.

Alderman Jackson made a riveting speech. She held everyone accountable to being involved in the community and making a difference.

Lastly, Rachel Crouch and Charles Jean-Pierre presented paitings to Alderman Jackson.

The event turned out to be a great event to benefit victims of violence in Chicago.

Let's continue to be vigilant in our efforts to end violence in our communities. It takes us working together and taking responsibility for our community in order to make a difference.

Til next time...

Praises for a Young Activist - Ronnie Mosley (Chicago)

Good day Readers:

I just read a story about a young man who is making a difference in Chicago. He is 17 year Ronnie Mosley who lives in Chicago. Ronnie lost his best friend to gun violence two years ago and has been an advocate against gun violence ever since. I am truly inspired by his fight and applaud his efforts to rally his colleagues in school and in the community to stop accepting violence in his community.

This is what eliminating violence is all about. It is within us to combat this conundrum. We have to support and develop comprehensive strategies and ways to deal with violence instead of relegating it to the authorities. We must work together as a community to bring attention and awareness to the issue. Only then will we be able to own up to our responsibilitiy of protecting our community.

We need more Ronnie Mosleys to speak out and express dismay with our fellow citizens. We will not and cannot accept the violence.

I simply had to say what was on my mind tonight. I felt compelled to make a statement supporting Ronnie and what he is doing in Chicago.

Additionally, I wanted to make everyone aware that I am speaking on Thursday evening at 6:30 p.m. Alderman Sandy Jackson's event in Washington, D.C. The event is at 1301 K Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. Alderman Jackson will be addressing the violence in our community and communities throughout the country.

National Crime Victims' Rights Week

Each April since 1981, the Office of Victims of Services (OVS) has helped lead communities throughout the country in their observances of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW). Rallies, candlelight vigils, and a host of commemorative activities are held each year to promote victims' rights and to honor crime victims and those who advocate on their behalf (please view last year’s video).

National Crime Victims' Rights Week, April 19-24, 2008. Justice for Victims. Justice for All.

This year, Kenny Barnes, Sr. has been nominated by the United States Department of Justice Office for Victims of Crime - to receive the National Service Award for work being done on behalf of victims of crime.

Kenny wishes to extend an invitation to you, family, friends, or if you know of anyone who has been victimized by crime to participate in the events during National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, and to be sure and attend the Awards Ceremony.

National Observance & Candlelight Ceremony
Thursday April 23rd 6:30pm - 7:30pm
The US Chamber of Commerce
1615 H Street, NWWashington, DC

National Crime Victims’ Rights Week Awards Ceremony
Friday April 24th 1:30pm – 3:30pm
Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium1301 Constitution Avenue, NWWashington, DC
A number of my friends have decided to hold a reception after the Awards Ceremony this Friday on the rooftop of The Ellington, with its beautiful view overlooking the city. From my understanding there will be Middle Eastern Cuisine, beverages, entertainment, and hosted by a very special friend from Hollywood California - Omarosa Manigault-Stallworth, The Apprentice and now the Celebrity Apprentice with Donald Trump - Omarosa Official Website – and assisted by the Lady Angels Marketing Team - Welcome to PartyWithTheAngels.com - Home of the Lady Angels Marketing Team!

Please join us and help in our efforts to continue our campaign to reduce violence and gun violence during these difficult economic times.

The Steering Committee is chaired by Ms. Guileine F. Kraft, a Doctoral Candidate at The National Catholic School of Social Service of The Catholic University of America and the invitation is attached for your review and RSVP.

For more information or to contribute contact Guileine Kraft at guikraft@yahoo.com

Til next time...

Mildred Muhammad hosts Support Group for Victims

Happy Easter, Happy Spring, Happy Happy Everything.

I have a wonderful and special message from my friend Mildred Muhammad, the ex-wife of the convicted sniper, John Allen Muhammad.

Please pass along...

After The Trauma will begin a support group for victims and survivors of domestic violence, beginning April 18, 2009. The support group will be held from 2:00pm ~ 4:00pm at 5625 Allentown Road, Suite 200, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Light refreshments will be served.

The phone number has changed as well. The office number is 240-695-5911 and the fax number is 240-965-1887. Please make a note of it.

Thank you for your support...

Sincerely,

Mildred D. Muhammad
Executive Director,
After The Trauma, Inc.
www.afterthetrauma.org

Til next time...

U.S. Massacres Concerns Violence Survivors

PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
Contact: Brandon Wallace 202.271.7409
Email: wallace.motley@gmail.com
April 4, 2009

Motley Management LLC.
Make Moves, Make Memories, Make a Difference.

VIOLENCE SURVIVORS UNITE TO SUPPORT VICTIMS OF THE BINGHAMTON, NY AMERICAN CIVIC ASSOCIATION AND PITTSBURGH, PA MASSACRES

The William Kellibrew Foundation and ROOT Inc. (Reaching Out to Others Together), on behalf of all victims of crime nation-wide, would like to send condolences to the people of Binghamton, New York and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

The gruesome killing of thirteen innocent victims and critical wounding of four others in this New York center where immigrants were taking their U.S. citizenship examinations is incomprehensible. The brutal murder of immigrants beholden to the idea of living the American dream and actively participating to the fullest in that journey makes plain the notion that no one is immune to violence. The fatal shootings of three Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania police officers in the line of duty on a domestic violence call is tragic.

William Kellibrew IV, National Coordinator for Black Youth Vote for the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation said, “These senseless acts of violence take a toll on our community, but with resolve, we can work to ensure that victims receive adequate attention to get through these tough times.”

Kenneth E. Barnes, Sr., MS, founder and CEO of ROOT Inc, an organization committed to helping communities take a proactive approach to reducing gun violence, stated, "Deplorable assaults on our safety are taking place far too often in America. We must work steadfastly to ensure the eventual cessation of these preventable, unspeakable crimes."

These are immensely challenging atrocities having overwhelming ramifications that resonate through devastated communities. Violence can occur in homes, businesses, civic associations and even religious institutions. In just three weeks, violent episodes amplified by gun usage in Alabama, North Carolina, New York and Pennsylvania have left
34 people dead and the lives of many others traumatically altered forever.

A stronger more steadfast commitment to the prevention of crime through parole regulations, offender rehabilitation and violence prevention education is critical to bringing an end to the senseless violence that plagues all Americans and citizens around the world. We stand in unity and in full support of the people of Binghamton, New York and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, but specifically for the family members who lost loved ones in these horrific tragedies.
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