They Had Dreams: Fed Up Honors Lives, Not Forgotten

This past Friday, the organization Fed Up hosted its “They Had Dreams” Walk of Remembrance, honoring more than 80 victims of gun violence in the Roanoke Valley. Some of these cases remain unsolved. While many community events come and go, this gathering carried a deeper purpose: ensuring that the lives of those lost are not forgotten.

As I reflected on the event, I found myself thinking not only about the names that were honored during the walk, but also about members of my own family. I would like to take a moment to honor my baby cousin, Jamar Muse, and my cousin, Ryan Dennis, both of whom lost their lives to gun violence. Though years may pass, the impact of their lives and their absence continues to be felt by those who loved them.

Their stories remind me that behind every statistic is a human being. A son. A daughter. A cousin. A friend. A dreamer. Someone whose life mattered.

What stood out to me about Fed Up’s event is that it reflects something we are seeing more and more in our communities. People are finding meaningful ways to honor loved ones long after they have left this physical world.

Recently, families across our region celebrated graduation season. Among the celebrations were parents and loved ones who carried photos, memories, and tributes for children who should have been walking across the stage themselves. Though absent in body, their names were still spoken. Their accomplishments were still recognized.

I was also reminded of NBA player Karl-Anthony Towns, who has openly spoken about the impact of losing his mother. Following a recent playoff victory, he shared how he felt her support and presence, a reminder that the people we love continue to shape our lives long after they are gone.

Whether through faith, memory, culture, or family tradition, human beings have always searched for ways to stay connected to those who came before us. For thousands of years, Indigenous cultures around the world have practiced remembrance. They understood that healing is not found in forgetting. Healing is found in remembering.

This nation itself is built upon remembrance. We tell the stories of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, Harriet Tubman, Rosa Parks, and countless others because their lives continue to teach us. Their examples inspire future generations long after their passing.

The same should be true for the victims honored during the “They Had Dreams” Walk of Remembrance. They were more than statistics. They were individuals with hopes, talents, gifts, and dreams for the future.

When we say their names, tell their stories, and honor their lives, we help keep their legacy alive. We remind families that their loved ones mattered and still matter. We remind ourselves that every life lost leaves a ripple throughout the community.

I applaud Fed Up for creating a space where remembrance and healing can exist together. In a world that often moves too quickly, taking time to honor those we have lost is an act of love, compassion, and community responsibility.

As we continue the work of reducing violence in our communities, may we never forget the people behind the headlines. May we continue to speak their names, share their stories, and honor their dreams.

Today, I remember Jamar Muse and I Ryan Dennis. I remember the more than 80 lives acknowledged during this walk. And I remember the countless others whose memories live on through the hearts of those who loved them.

Because while a life may end, love, memory, and legacy continue.