Meet Our M.O.M.S.

BETTYE DINKINS + JOSEPH DINKINS

I'm Bettye Dinkins, and I live in Orangeburg, SC. I grew up in Florence, SC, and my children and I moved to Orangeburg in 1998. I had two children, Jessica Dinkins-Johnson and Joseph Dinkins. I have 12 grandchildren and 12 great-grand twin girls (sic).

There's not much to say about me; I'm a quiet homebody. My son Joseph was killed on September 19th, 2020, by someone he knew and visited when he came to Orangeburg. It's been the hardest thing to accept.

He was my only son and left behind four children: Zaniyah, Cajmeir, J'Kwon, and J' Nayisah Dinkins.

We miss him so much.

Melissa Jude + Chandler Bussey

My name is Melissa Jude, and I'm from Indianapolis, IN. I'm a mother of two "suns," Chandler and Kai. Being their mom and making memories has been the biggest blessing of my life.

My son Chandler was born on July 8, 1999, and sadly, his life was cut short due to gun violence on June 12, 2020. He was just three weeks away from us celebrating his 21st birthday. He was my firstborn, and as a young mom, we had a close bond. He was my biggest hype man. He played basketball and ran track, which earned him a college scholarship. Losing him has been overwhelming and hard to deal with for my family and me. It's like once you lose your child, a part of you dies with them, and you have to figure out the pieces as you go along.

Going through this nightmare led me to get my certification in grief and trauma to be able to come alongside and help other mothers, fathers, and families on their journey. After all, I feel like you don't go through something to not extend your hand to help someone else through it, even if on some days, you have to dig a little harder for your own strength.

Justice for Chandler

Brandy Olivis + Ryan Rowe

My name is Brandy Olivis. I was born and raised in Columbia, SC, with my twin sister and two older siblings, Ericka Williams and Darieon Williams. I am a mother to three young men, Teran M. Rowe, Trenton Rowe, and Ryan R. Rowe, and a grandmother to one grandson.

I graduated from Columbia High School in 1997, and in 2009, I received my Bachelor of Science Degree in Healthcare Management from South University. Professionally, I have been an employee of Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina for over 10 years, where I currently hold the position of Business Analyst II.

On April 9, 2022, my son, Ryan Rowe, was murdered due to gun and teenage violence. Ryan had just celebrated his 16th birthday on March 29, 2022. My heart, mind, and soul were numb to the heartbreaking death of my son. Instead of constantly focusing on what I could have done as a parent to prevent my son’s senseless death, I decided to redirect my thoughts, energy, and anger towards a solution-based initiative to honor my son while also helping other parents avoid burying their child due to gun violence. I believe that by focusing on academic achievement and intentional parenting, we can reduce teen and gun violence in our communities.

Visit For Ryan's Sake

dOnte Sims + Knowledge Sims

My name is Donte Sims. I am a mother to seven and have two grandchildren whom I love dearly. I am currently pursuing a degree in Education. My children inspire me; they drive me to become a better person, and I strive daily to be a role model they can be proud of.

On April 30, 2020, I faced the devastating loss of my youngest son, Knowledge Sims, to senseless gun violence at just seven years old. Knowledge was a playful child, always enjoying time with his siblings, and had a passion for football, playing for the Tre3Canes here in Columbia. My daughter Adontis was also shot but thankfully survived. Her strength is something I deeply admire.

The loss of Knowledge has irreversibly changed our lives. As a close-knit family, we PUSH through this journey together, keeping the memory of our little Hercules alive.

Justice for Knowledge

SALEEMAH GRAHAM-FLEMING + SANAA MAHARI

Sanaa Amenhotep's birth weight of 8lbs 3oz heralded her strong presence in the world on August 4th, at 8:05 pm. Her entry into life was tumultuous. But throughout her 15 years, Sanaa impacted her community profoundly, in ways that few young people do. An avid reader and an impeccable writer from an early age, she initially aspired to become a lawyer and then a judge. However, her talents extended beyond the courtroom; she developed an impressive three-point shot, which drew her dreams toward the WNBA.

Despite being a conqueror of community violence and enduring tremendous personal loss, Sanaa didn't limit her skills to just one area. She also learned to style and care for hair, showcasing her versatile abilities. Shortly before her untimely passing, when asked about her career aspirations, she confidently replied, "All three!"

Tragically, on April 5th, 2021, Sanaa's bright future was cut short; she was gunned down, leaving her loved ones and all whom she touched to carry on as #survivors. As the world moves forward, families continue to suffer and grapple with loss in ways that are beyond comprehension.

There were no funerals, no process of identifying bodies, and no selection of clothes for her to wear in eternal rest. We were left with just a few tender face kisses, and an "I'm so proud of you," before she left to take pictures—a moment from which she would never return.

Justice for Sanaa

Stephanie Lewis + TyQuan Deonte woods

My son, Tyquan Deonte Woods, was taken from me on 7/12/14 at the age of 20. Tyquan was my eldest child out of four. I gave birth to him when I was only 13; we essentially grew up together. He meant the world to me. He had two sisters, Chaunaza Woods and Chaudaey Woods, and a younger brother, Ty'Carri Woods. Our lives were forever changed that tragic morning when we lost Tyquan. Unable to bear living in the area where my son was so brutally taken, we relocated from Hampton, Virginia, to Charlotte, NC, just two months after the incident.

The journey has been long and tumultuous for my family. Although we've found a measure of calm, there's been no peace. The trial dragged on for years, culminating in no real justice. One suspect took a 10-year plea deal (with time already served), while charges against the other were dropped. The trauma of it all has been overwhelming. I've been in therapy, suffered a stroke during the trial, and grappled with PTSD, among other issues that I never had before the loss of my son.

Now, I'm married, and my husband provides immense support on both good and bad days. While Tyquan remains with me in spirit, life will never be the same. Never.

Justice for Tyquan