“I am the mother of Terrell Bosley and the co-founder of Purpose Over Pain; which consists of a group of parents whose children's lives were ended by gun violence.

Every day, I get up and I have to face the pain of losing my son over and over again. 

My son Terrell was just 18 years old when he was shot and killed on April 4, 2006, in the city of Chicago, while on the grounds of a church. At church. A place that should have been safe. But as we learn every day, there is no such thing as a safe place!

Terrell was an awesome son who loved his family He was in his first year of college, and a very talented gospel bass player. In his short life, he had the opportunity to play for many famous gospel artists. One of his dreams was to become a famous musician and travel around the world. But unfortunately, those dreams ended because of senseless gun violence. 

Terrell's death devastated our family. At just 7, my youngest son Tre started praying to God that no one else in his family would get shot. This should not be the prayer of a seven year old.

Terrell, along with too many others, did not have an opportunity to realize the American dream. To finish college. To tour the world. To share his musical talents. So I encourage the GVP community to unite as one, because we are stronger together, and together WE can put an end to the gun violence epidemic. We can do this. We must do this for the future Terrell’s. For the seven year olds praying not to be shot.

I would like to close with a quote by Alice Walker: 

“The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don’t have any.”. 

We have the power to be the change we wish to see. We can do this -- in front of me are hundreds of people determined to do so, and together, we will create a safer world for all.”

-Pamela Boseley, Illinois