During the Washtenaw Community Violence Intervention Summit, four mothers whose lives were shattered by gun violence bravely shared their personal stories and the memory of their lost sons. Theresa Davis, whose son Arthur Ellerson was killed in 2021, spoke about the enduring pain and lack of justice, saying, “A mother is never ready for a call like that.” Each mother highlighted their struggles and the need for stronger support systems for families affected by such tragedies. Patricia Hollie expressed her longing for her son Alonzo, emphasizing that “my son was my everything.”
As they recounted cherished moments, the mothers called for more resources to prevent gun violence and support grieving families. Genniece Smith, who lost her son Terrell during a live broadcast on Facebook, noted the emotional toll on families when violence touches their lives. The panel served not only as a remembrance but as a cry for action, urging the community to provide better funding and outreach for youth at risk. “We need a grief process system that’s sustained long term,” stressed Stacey Mack, reflecting the urgent need for help even after initial crises pass.
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