Today we’d like to introduce you to Tisa Whack.
Hi Tisa, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
We Are Their Voices was founded in 2017 after two mothers Chandra Bryant and Tisa Whack lives were turned upside down as they were notified that their sons, their only children, were murdered due to senseless acts of gun violence in 2014 and 2015. These mothers’ lives intertwined when they both found themselves in the club no parent EVER wants to be a part of. The parent of a MURDERED CHILD…Together they are determined to be the VOICES for their sons to bring awareness to gun violence and support to other parents that face the same situation.
Both of their sons were murdered in the same neighborhood just a block away from the other. Both young men leave kids behind that will never have the opportunity to know their fathers other than through pictures, videos, and the memories that will be shared with them. Through this Chandra and Tisa, two mothers who had never met, found themselves forming a bond brought together through tragedy.
Chandra’s son Shaquille was 21 when he was murdered 12/15/14. Four days after his death his daughter was born.
Tisa’s son Tyrell was 23 when he was murdered on 11/30/15, just four days before his son’s 3rd birthday and a newlywed of four months.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It took us years after our son’s death to come to grips with the reality of what occurred and to make meaning out of our son’s death. We knew we wanted to do something in honor of our sons and to help others who have faced similar tragedies the support that we know they would need in the future.
One of the challeges that we face is finding an affordable location to call a permanent home for our organizations. We would love to have a space of our own to grow our programs and outreach throughout Summerville and the surrounding areas.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
The mission of We Are Their Voices is to provide services to gun violence survivors and bring education and awareness to community members. Our values include empathy, compassion, community collaboration, and allyship against gun violence.
Our programs and initiatives include the following.
• Monthly Grief Support Group with a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (Dr. Zakevia Lewis-Kendrick, ED.D)
• Annual Scholarships for High School Graduates in Dorchester District 2 & 4
• Sponsorship of Little League Football and T-ball teams
• Self-Care for Survivors of Gun Violence Initiative
• Host of Lunch & Learn sessions and roundtable discussions
• “Step into Style” Prom Closet for young men
• Partnership with Taking Back Our Village Community Outreach Program
• Victims & Family Advocacy
• National Gun Violence Awareness Month Participation
• Event speakers
• We are committed to be that voice and that change necessary to put an end to gun violence and providing support to our community.
We are most proud of our ability to support victims and survivors of gun violence through our support group. We discuss the reality of grief and trauma of having a loved one taken away and ways to make meaning out of the death. We encourage our members to share their experience with other through advocacy work so communities will understand the reality after the headlines of the tragedy have faded away.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
My favorite childhood memories are spending time with all of my cousins at our grandparents’ homes for hoildays, Sunday dinners, and just plain old family time. This is were my strong love for family comes from. The memories of sitting on the back porch eating watermelon that my grandfather brought home to the fireworks on the 4th of July at my grandparents’ home.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.wearetheirvoices.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wearetheirvoicesxoxo/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WeAreTheirVoices
Image Credits
TJ Images
