Mothers who lost their sons lead a movement for change

World Today

The high-profile, fatal shootings of young, black men by white police officers in the U.S have grabbed the attention of people around the world. It’s especially significant for one group of moms, who have lost their sons. CCTV America’s Jessica Stone reported this story.

They are part of a sorority no woman ever wants to join. Mothers who lost their sons too soon. “It was chaos 50 shots for no reason,” Valerie Bell said.

Valerie Bell lost her 23-year old son Sean, on his wedding day eight years ago. New York City police thought someone in his car had a gun. There was no gun.

“They were indicted but when they went to trial, they were acquitted with no jury,” Valerie said. She has offered comfort to the families of more recently killed young black men gunned down by police or those taking the role of police.

Sometimes, she says, in shared experience there can be healing, adding there are so many who need it. “And when they shot Ramone there wasn’t no gun or knife. No nothing. He had nothing on him,” Constance Malcolm whose son died in police shooting said.

Two years ago, New York City Police shot Constance Malcom’s 18-year old son on suspicion of gun possession. Now, she fears for her younger son.

“I fear every day for my 9-year old son who was in the house. I fear everyday because i still have to raise a black boy in the city,” she said.

Just four months ago, 22-year old John Crawford was shot to death by police outside Cincinnati, Ohio. “I want to say because he was black…in the wrong part of town,” said Tressa Sherrod, John’s mom.

Store video shows police rushing into a Walmart store, after a 911 call claimed Crawford was pointing a gun at people. He had picked up an unloaded bb gun for sale off a shelf.

As Americans struggle to understand the circumstances behind these fatal shootings, each mom wants to be heard.

“I’m here to be a voice for my son and all the other mothers, especially the recent sons that were taken away for no reason to help change, one day, police procedures,” Valerie said. Each voice part of the momentum they hope will lead to change.