JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A new book featuring the stories of eight mothers from Jacksonville affected by gun violence hits shelves this weekend.
The book is titled "Painful Tears of Silent Women," and after First Coast News sat down with some of the authors, they say their purpose is to add more to the end of their child's life.
That's especially true for Tanya Cummings, who wants her son Jacolby to be remembered for more than the shooting that ended his life.
Cummings lost her son when he was 22 years old. He was shot and killed right outside the Morningside Apartments on Jammes Road back in 2018, First Coast News reported.
Although two men were arrested in her son's murder, Cummings wants him to be remembered for who he was before he died.
“From how he was as a little kid till the day he died, and the reason why he did die is because he trusted the guys that killed him. So, it was somebody that he knew and loved, and he loved everybody,” she explained.
Founder of the nonprofit Silent Women Speaking, Haraka "Nikki" Carswell, felt inspired to create the novel not only in remembrance of the sons and daughters, but to give another piece to each mother's grieving journey.
"We know a lot of them didn't want to do it initially, but it is their purpose," Carswell said. "So, to me, this is just a start for them."
On Saturday, a book launch event will be held at The Venue at Kingdom Plaza Mall to not only celebrate the publication, but remember the sons and daughters that live within the pages.
You can find tickets to the event here.