Each year on September 25, communities around the country pause to observe the National Day of Remembrance for Murder Victims — a day set aside to honor lives lost to homicide and to offer support for grieving families.
One of the most powerful tributes comes from Harlem Mothers S.A.V.E. (Stop Another Violent End), a group founded by mothers who have lost children to violence. To pay tribute to the lives lost by homicide, the streets of Harlem fill with community members carrying portraits of loved ones, holding signs with names, and releasing red balloons in an act of remembrance while the names of these victims are read aloud. Hundreds of names are called out as people gather to honor their memories together.
Jackie Rowe-Adams, the co-founder of Harlem Mothers S.A.V.E., has become a voice for grieving families. Having lost two sons to gun violence, she helps bring those affected by this tragedy together for support.
“Every day that I hear a parent losing her child or loved ones, my stomach hurts — pains — because I know the trauma and I know what they’re going through, and that’s why we’re here because we’re a support group,” she said. “To let them know they’re not alone and they can move forward.”
Mothers who shared in this tragic experience also attended the event, including Millicent Clindinin. Her son, 40-year-old Shariff Clindinin, lost his life back in April after being stabbed.
“When that vicious person took my son’s life, he took half of my vital organs with him.” Said Millicent. “He was just beginning to embrace life. He should be here.”
While it is a day of mourning, it’s also a day of purpose. Those who gather in Harlem do so not only to grieve, but to demand change, calling attention to the systemic issues fueling violence and urging solutions.
Mayor Eric Adams attended this ceremony to represent his commitment to preventing this violence and to support those affected by it.
Harlem’s tribute is more than a ceremony. It is a promise that these victims’ lives will continue to matter, and these lives will never be forgotten.
