Lonnisha Landry Talks Creating Support Systems for Gun Violence Survivors on The Pop-Up!
Lonnisha Landry, the founder of the nonprofit organization Just/Us Loved Ones, recently appeared on The Pop-Up! to share her story of loss and advocacy as part of Together We End Gun Violence Week. Landry’s presence in the Black Media Matters Studio highlighted the deep personal connections and community resilience necessary to address the ongoing crisis of gun violence in King County.
Landry established Just/Us Loved Ones following the tragic murder of her 16-year-old son, Xavier. On The Pop-Up!, she described Xavier as a spirit synonymous with "love.” She said the organization’s name came to Landry through prayer during her darkest moments. It reflects the reality that those left behind must figure out how to proceed with life while also honoring the desire for "justice.”
Supporting the "Family Outside of Blood"
A central theme of Landry’s appearance was the profound bond between families impacted by violence. She spoke of her deep connection with family of Amarr Murphy-Paine, noting the heartbreaking coincidence that Amarr Murphy-Paine was murdered at Garfield High School on her birthday. Landry now celebrates Amarr’s "angel-versary" alongside her own birthday, promising to always say his name and the names of other children lost to violence.
Landry outlined the core aspects of Just/Us Loved Ones:
Therapeutic Services: The organization focuses on supporting the siblings of murder victims.
Sacred Embrace Initiative: This program reaches out to grieving families within 72 hours of a loss to provide meals, kind words, and the reassurance that they are not alone.
Community Partnership: Landry has collaborated with other mothers to host events like toy giveaways and dinners at Pottery Northwest.
A Call for Accountability and Healing
Landry explained that it takes the entire community—parents and adults alike—to intervene with troubled youth and keep them safe.
Despite the ongoing pain of her son’s unsolved murder and the bittersweet reminders of missed milestones like proms and graduations, Landry continues to choose life and light. She shared that she maintains her strength through self-care and by drawing on the "inner light" and love her son left behind.
Landry encouraged those interested in supporting Just/Us Loved Ones to reach out via Facebook.
Tune in to The Pop-Up! weeknights at 9 p.m. on the Converge Media YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/@ConvergeMedia.
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