Standing for Justice: Mother’s Quest for Change
Lashanna Smith, a mother from California, embarked on a journey thousands of miles long, driven by one core desire: to find justice for her son. Her 14-year-old, Na’Qualo Smith, and his 13-year-old cousin Donta Gurley, were brutally killed in a shooting in Little Rock. Lashanna’s pain was palpable, her heart torn apart by the loss of the two young lives. She knew she had to take action to ensure that no other mother would ever have to endure such anguish.
Since her son’s passing, Lashanna has dedicated herself to ending the scourge of youth violence that plagues Little Rock and beyond. She has made it her mission to raise awareness and demand accountability from the authorities for the protection of young lives. Her unwavering spirit is emblematic of the resilience of a mother who will stop at nothing to see justice served.
She is part of a larger movement that includes families of other victims, who share her determination to seek justice and demand change. They have been vocal in expressing their dissatisfaction with the current state of affairs, highlighting the need for comunidad, law enforcement, and policymakers to work together to prevent such tragedies.
Together, they are pushing for concrete steps to tackle youth violence, pushing for increased funding for social programs and support services that cater to at-risk youth, and expeditious justice for those who commit violent crimes. It is in this collective spirit that the memory of Na’Qualo Smith and Donta Gurley can live on, serving as a beacon of hope for a future where young lives are valued and protected.
