Hundreds of families of murder victims gather for the Mourning Mother’s Walk for Healing in San Leandro Marina Park.

SAN LEANDRO, Calif. – The night of February 8, 2000, remains etched in Lorrain Taylor’s memory as a moment of profound loss. Her twin sons, Albade and Obadiah Taylor, were tragically shot and killed with an AK-47 in an Oakland parking lot at just 22 years old. Taylor vividly recalls the heart-wrenching phone call from her son Gregory, informing her of the devastating news. This traumatic event propelled Taylor into a journey of unimaginable grief and, eventually, transformative action.

Turning Pain into Purpose

After seven years of battling with depression, Taylor decided to channel her anguish into a mission. Fueled by the desire to prevent other mothers from enduring similar tragedies, she founded 1000 Mothers to Prevent Violence. This organization serves as a support group for mothers who have lost children to violence, offering them solace and strength in their darkest moments.

A Community of Support

One such mother who found solace in Taylor’s organization is Shantee Baker from Berkeley. Baker’s daughter, Jessica Kingeter, a talented ballerina and aspiring journalist, met a tragic end in 2012 when she was brutally stabbed while defending herself against a would-be rapist in Oakland. Baker describes the loss of her daughter as a stolen, stolen life, expressing the profound pain that no parent should ever have to endure.

Coping Together

For Taylor and Baker, staying active within their community of grieving mothers is essential for coping with their loss. They emphasize the importance of confronting grief head-on, recognizing that failure to do so can have detrimental effects on one’s well-being. By fostering a supportive environment, these mothers aim to not only heal themselves but also to advocate for safer communities where all children can thrive.

The Mourning Mother’s Walk for Healing Returns

After a hiatus due to the pandemic, the Mourning Mother’s Walk for Healing is set to return on Saturday, June 8, 2024, at San Leandro Marina Park. This event, which includes a two-mile walk, brunch, and live entertainment, serves as a beacon of hope for families across the Bay Area who have been impacted by violence. Registration for the event begins at 8:30 a.m., with a nominal admission fee of $25, all of which goes towards supporting the vital services provided by 1000 Mothers to Prevent Violence.

Embracing All Who Seek Healing

While initially centered around mothers, the Mourning Mother’s Walk for Healing welcomes participation from fathers and all members of the community who seek solace and support. By coming together in solidarity, these families demonstrate resilience in the face of unimaginable loss, affirming their commitment to creating safer, more compassionate communities for future generations.

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