We spoke with Jamill, Brickey, and two other sophomores, Kjuan Newby and Kendall Newby, to hear more about their experience with the program. Here’s what they said:

Jamill: “TTP helped me understand that gun violence isn’t just a headline. It’s something that deeply impacts individuals, families, and neighborhoods. Hearing stories from peers made the issue feel more personal and real. It showed me the importance of empathy, listening, and the need for unity in order to create change.”

Kjuan: “TTP made me realize that gun violence not only affects more than one race, but it also impacts the victim/survivor and those who witnessed the violence first hand.”

Kendall: “It showed me that it’s not just the Black community that is affected by gun violence. This just shows we can come together to put a stop to gun violence, or at least slow it down.”

Jamill: “Talking with other students about gun violence felt healing. It wasn’t always easy, but having a space where I felt safe, respected, and heard, especially in a healing circle, made a big difference. I learned that a lot of us share the same pain and hopes, and I learned that we’re stronger when we support each other and work together as a community.”

Kjuan: “It felt great to talk to others about something that we all had in common, whether it was done to us or if we’ve seen it. Talking to the other students wasn’t difficult at all. It made me feel at ease knowing I’m not in this alone and that other people have gone through the same struggle and are now trying to make the world better.”

Kendall: “Talking to other students from different schools and different races who have experienced gun violence felt relieving because I know now that other people have been through the same thing I have. I learned that if I’m around people who have the same experience as me, then I will make friends fast.”

Jamill: “One moment that stood out to me was being in the healing circle and realizing how powerful it was to truly be heard, not just by adults, but by my peers. It felt like we all dropped our walls and saw each other as human beings with real struggles and ideas. That moment made me feel connected, respected, and hopeful that change is possible when we come together.”

Kjuan: “A specific moment that stood out to me was the last event of TTP. This moment resonated with me because I got to see the reactions of the judges when they heard our projects and how we are trying to make the world a better place at such a young age. Also, listening to the feedback the judges shared with us really made me happy inside to know that they loved our project and what we are doing.”

Kendall: “One time that stood out to me was the first time I attended a TTP meeting. Just seeing how many people wanted to help do something about gun violence surprised me, honestly, because I thought this experience was unique to me and to people who look like me.”

Jamill: “I feel like the impact is endless. I feel like it’ll allow more scholars to feel comfortable sharing their feelings and emotions on gun violence. I feel like a lot of gun violence stems from pent-up anger/pent-up issues, so just getting the space where people aren’t laughing at you for your pain and your experiences and for getting vulnerable— where you can get vulnerable with people who actually have been through what you’ve been through and are feeling what you’re feeling— is something that will help benefit DRW in the long run.”

Kjuan: “I feel like more people are going to join. If DRW students really see what we’re doing out there, I feel like they’ll be proud or at least happy to join, come talk about their experience, and get more comfortable. Our community has been through so much trauma and has bottled up so much anger that taking advantage of this space we created could support them in their healing journey.”

Kendall: “I think the impact that it would have is a big one because a lot of kids that go to this school have been involved in gun violence, grown up around it, and have seen it from their younger childhood until now.”

Brickey: “I have seen TTP impact students’ confidence and ability to articulate their feelings surrounding gun violence. It has given them a safe space to speak up and feel heard.”

Jamill: “It allowed me to grow more empathy for people and understand people’s feelings. It allowed me to understand that, sometimes, you could be going through something, and somebody else can be going through the same thing. There are just different ways people show it. It taught me to be thoughtful and mindful of everybody else’s feelings and opinions because everybody’s feelings and opinions do matter.”

Kjuan: “It’s made me better at talking because I haven’t talked in front of anybody. And it made me realize that gun violence happens everywhere. It’s not only DRW students who speak about gun violence. You have Highland Park, Roosevelt, and Baker. Those schools are not in the same area— they are very much spread apart. So, I feel like I learned that gun violence can really happen anywhere.”

Kendall: “It impacted me in a good way. It made me better with public speaking. It has also shown me that there’s a bigger world out there that has also experienced worse than what I’ve experienced.”

Brickey: “TTP has given me the space to not just grieve, but also heal alongside students this year. Losing scholars to gun violence in the past year, even when I hadn’t personally taught them, was heartbreaking. And I was looking for a place to process this heartbreak. TTP has offered me a way to experience joy in the face of some of the most challenging moments of my teaching career.”

After the loss of a student to gun violence, Together Towards Peace gave the DRW community a space to connect, heal, and take action. DRW students didn’t just share their pain—they supported and uplifted each other, turning the program into a powerful space for empathy and impactful storytelling. Their efforts show that when young people are equipped and supported, they step up and help others do the same. Gun violence won’t end overnight, but with students like ours, we’re making progress.