Turning Tragedy into Triumph: Zhalena Mathis's "DJ Saves the Day"

In a powerful and moving interview on "The Day with Trae," Zhalena Mathis shared the deeply personal story behind her book, DJ Saves the Day. Her journey is one of resilience, transforming unimaginable loss into a beacon of hope and a tool for positive change.

Zhalena's son, Prince-Darrell, affectionately known as DJ, tragically lost his life to gun violence in June 2023, less than 24 hours after being released from the hospital. DJ, who grew up in Seattle, struggled with ADHD and other disabilities. Zhalena wanted to honor his memory and create something meaningful after his passing.

The inspiration for DJ Saves the Day came to Zhalena through her son's voice and a vision, with him urging her, "Mom, don't forget, don't let the world forget about me, even though my life was taken here in Seattle." This profound message led her to write a fictional book that captures DJ's spirit and his unwavering kindness.

The character of DJ in the book mirrors Prince-Darrell's personality, and his younger sister is also featured. The story aims to instill important values in youth, particularly on topics like kindness, anti-bullying, and making positive choices. The fictional DJ reaches out to a troubled child, offering friendship and seeking to make a difference in his life, much like Prince-Darrell would have done. The book also weaves in the theme of superheroes, with DJ believing in Black Lightning—a character who, by day, was a school principal and, by night, saved lives from violence and crime in inner cities.

Zhalena's work with DJ Saves the Day has given her hope and allowed her to inspire others across all ages. She has shared her message at community centers, libraries, and festivals, advocating for gun violence prevention and encouraging positive choices. She emphasizes the importance of speaking life and positive energy into children and people, reminding everyone that a simple "I care about you," "I love you," or "You are powerful" can make a significant difference.

For those interested in supporting Zhalena Mathis and her mission, the next event is a back-to-school event at the East Side Community Center in Tacoma, Washington, on Saturday, August 23rd, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Zhalena will be giving away copies of *DJ Saves the Day*, and the entire community is invited.

For those unable to attend, DJ Saves the Day is available for purchase on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Zhalena's dedication to ending gun violence and making a difference in communities serves as a powerful reminder of how one person's resilience can inspire countless others.

You can follow Zhalena on Instagram