CLEVELAND — It’s been five years since Andre Brown was sitting in a car with a friend near the corner of Stevenson Road and St. Clair Avenue in Cleveland when they were shot and killed.
Their murders remain unsolved.
Brown’s mother, Michelle Bell, said the pain of losing him is a daily challenge.
"Especially not knowing why it happened," Bell said. "The perpetrator or the person that took his life is still roaming the streets free. Nobody has been brought to justice for that double homicide."
Soon after Andre’s death, Bell said she knew she wanted to help others.
“I think it was within hours of it happening,” said Bell. “The pain was so severe and my thought was ‘I don’t want anyone to feel this. What can I do?'"
It was soon thereafter Bell founded M-PAC Cleveland. The goal of the organization is to help connect gun violence survivors for support through prayer, activity and conversation.
“It keeps me going. It keeps me moving forward. It adds to my hope,” said Bell. “I look forward to whatever I can do individually and collectively to minimize the number of mothers that have to walk in my shoes.”
Bell added she believes there is a power in the community working together to solve issues like gun violence. It’s a power she noted she would like to see grow stronger in Cleveland.
“Everybody has a different strength [or] talent that they can bring to the table. When we put all of that together, we can move mountains. We can break the ceiling,” said Bell. “Your gift is not my gift but when we bring that together, we can do it all.”
If you know anything about Andre Brown’s murder or any other unsolved murder, you are asked to call Crime Stoppers at 216-252-7463.
More information on M-PAC Cleveland: M-PAC Cleveland – Uplift, Encourage, & Inspire Healing
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