A MOTHER'S CRY

As I reflect on the birth of my son Reggie, his life, and what I envisioned his future would hold, I can't help but smile. While I should be overwhelmed with sadness, today is different. He has given me a profound reason to keep him alive in my heart. My son is the driving force behind the docu-series *A Mother's Cry*. His death must carry significance; it needs to be the catalyst for change in our communities.

Over the years, I have wrestled with the sorrow that has nestled itself within my heart. I discovered a way to channel that grief into something meaningful—something that resonates with communities, parents, cities, and survivors. I was once asked why it is so crucial to share these stories, why we must confront the pain and hopelessness that accompany such tragedies. The answer is simple: gun violence can strike anywhere, at any moment, and affect anyone. I never imagined I would receive the devastating news of my son's death. It felt unfathomable that my baby boy—who excelled in school and was the epitome of a loving son, brother, and friend—could be gone.

In those dark moments, I questioned how I would endure this crisis. My son's death touched the hearts of many, but it was compounded by the tragedy that followed—my mother’s suicide just two months later. I found myself in a state of disbelief, spiraling into a darkness that felt all-consuming. Despite the people surrounding me, I felt utterly alone. I yearned to cry, but the tears wouldn’t come. I contemplated ending my own life, yet deep down, I feared the act itself. I wrestled with the urge to question the Creator, but I understood that His decisions were beyond my comprehension, and I had no right to challenge what God had ordained. I prayed, cried, and prayed some more.

But then, something shifted within me. I made a conscious decision to reclaim my life. I returned to therapy and took proactive steps toward healing. I enrolled in college, earning an Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts, a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, and a focus on International Affairs. I pursued internships and fellowships, and gradually, I began to smile again. I launched my own business, created short films, authored a book, and transformed into the strong woman I always knew I could be.

Living with bipolar disorder has been a journey of its own. There are days when the weight of my grief feels particularly heavy, and the challenges of my mental health threaten to overwhelm me. Yet, I have learned to navigate these turbulent waters with resilience. I surround myself with a supportive community that understands my struggles and celebrates my victories, no matter how small. Each project I undertake—whether it’s a film, a written piece, or a community initiative—serves as a tribute to Reggie. Each success is a reminder that his spirit lives on through my work.

I also engage in advocacy, speaking out about the impact of gun violence and mental health awareness. I believe that sharing my story can help others who are grappling with similar pain. I want parents to know they are not alone in their suffering, and I want to inspire those who feel hopeless to find their own paths to healing. Through my docu-series, I aim to shed light on the complexities of grief and the urgent need for change in our society.

What steps have you taken to reclaim your life, to rediscover the person you thought you had lost along the way?

In our second episode, *Portraits of a Broken Heart*, we will delve into the experiences of researchers, lawyers, judges, and the individuals caught in the cycle of crime. We will explore the systemic issues that contribute to violence and the personal stories that often go unheard. Our conversations are far from over; they have only just begun. Together, we will continue to confront these difficult topics and strive to bring about the change our communities desperately need. Through dialogue, understanding, and shared experiences, we can work towards a future where no parent has to endure the loss I have faced.