Mothers Of The Movement

By Williamena Kwapo | OBSERVER Staff Writer Mothers of victims gather during the Black Expo in Sacramento last week. Shown are, from left to right, Mary Duplat, Wanda Collier, Deborah Lewis-Grimes, Anita Razo, Stephanie Lopez, Mareka Cole, Heather Jeter, LaDonna Lee, Stephanie Boatright and Francis Laija. Mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, and friends – 16 in all – sat in a circle to remember the impact and lives of their loved ones who have been taken. The Feb. 24 event was hosted by Stevante Clark to honor the families of Black men and women who have lost their lives tragically, from police brutality to gun violence. “Life and Legacy Survivor’s Discussion” was held during the 36th annual Black History Month Expo at the SAFE Convention Center. Many on hand were active members of Moms Demand Action, a nonprofit fighting for public safety measures and laws that better protect people from gun violence. “There are a lot of neighborhoods but not enough neighbors,” Clark said as he spoke about the importance of coming together, looking out for each other, and holding spaces to grieve in a way that’s needed. Clark is the younger brother of Stephon Clark, whose death in his grandmother’s...