It was November 1, 1998. My family and I were in Richmond hanging out at Virginia Commonwealth University, and I was with my friends when my brother burst into the room and gave me the words that would shake my life forever.

“Troy’s dead.”

My oldest brother, who was only 26 years young, was murdered by an 18-year-old via shooting the night before. While the police did catch and arrest the assailant, whose name I won’t mention, there were still so many questions to ask.

“How did he get the weapon? Why did it take the police several weeks to find him and his associates when they were killing so many others in the area?”

Although my family received justice, 24 years later, there are still several families who are crying over caskets for their loved ones who have become victims of senseless gun violence in Prince William County. I was reminded of it last year as we covered the Anthony Cruz-Santos tragedy. Another young man whose life was taken way too soon, and watching the pain of his family and friends at Hylton High School where he attended, was a stark reminder of how much we need true gun control measures.

Despite the announcement of a task force by elected officials, we are still reading reports of incidents such as a nine-year-old being shot in Dumfries, at Benton Middle School, or even last week. So far, what has really changed? While the response is consistently, “We need more resources,” how much more is actually needed? Well, some community-minded citizens, tired of inaction, have decided to do something about it.

I spoke with Shantell Rock, a community leader herself, and she informed me that the organization Moms Demand Action has re-started the Prince William County chapter. The focus will be on bringing long overdue gun reform. This has been the plan for some time, as she has met with like-minded individuals who have recommended forming a coalition. She took upon herself, with the help of several others, to restart the chapter. Among them are community leaders Mark Langsam, Byron Jenkins, and Zulma Santos, who is Anthony’s mother.

As of now, they have met with Governor Glenn Youngkin’s team thanks to help from 2nd House District Delegate Candi King and are waiting for a response. As Rock told me, “It’s not about politics, it’s about changing pain to purpose.”

In addition, the chapter will include counseling resources for survivors, provide resources, and challenge for legislation changes. On Saturday, July 30th in Fairfax, Anthony’s family in partnership with Prince William County’s Moms Demand Action Local Chapter will host an event titled, “Improving Our Community: In Memory of Anthony.” There will be a host of guest speakers on hand to talk about the need for change.

How many more funerals will we need to attend before something is done?