Parents Who Lost A Child During Violent Acts Keep Their Memories Alive Through Art
By Tim Jimenez
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - "Lost Dreams on Canvas" is a program where families of young victims of senseless violence get a portrait of their lost loved one, painted by a volunteer artist.
At the annual event, new portraits were presented to families Thursday night at City Hall.
The stories were different, but the results were the same; losing a child during violent acts.
Geneva Williams talked about her son, Elijah.
"And the guy was sitting there, he got out of the car, he shot my son and drove away," she said.
In 2003 Elijah died when he was 21. His mother gets the portrait days before he would have turned 30.
Another parent, Motiva Johnson-Harrell, spoke of losing her 19-year-old son Charles last year; a case of mistaken identity.
"Two young men walked up to the car and opened fire on the car," she said.
This portrait, so real to Motiva and her family as they still grieve.
"These artists are able to capture the spirits of these children who are innocent victims of violence."
She says one day her grandson will understand who his father was.
"His only child was born 26 days after his death. So this will be a present that I'll be able to pass on to my grandson Khaliff."
