'I had to speak out': Middle schoolers in Racine sign a pledge to help stop gun violence

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Thousands of young people across the nation took a pledge to help end gun violence on Wednesday, Oct. 18. 

The nationwide push comes as more than 1,300 kids in 2023 have been killed across the country due to crimes committed with guns, according to the Gun Violence Archive.

"It hurts every time I see it, it hurts every time I turn on the news and see yet another mother crying out with hurt," said Sylvia Bennett-Stone, Director for Voices of Black Mothers United.

Bennett-Stone turned her tears into purpose after her 19-year-old daughter was shot and killed in a gang-related crossfire while she was at an Alabama gas station in 2004.

"The bullet went through my daughter's body and stopped in the heart of her girlfriend, and both girls died of one bullet," said Bennett-Stone.

The once-grieving mother spoke to students at Jerstad-Agerholm Middle School, a part of a national push, to get kids to sign a pledge that they will not pick up a gun to cause harm.

"I had to speak out and try to make a difference, to help slow down this violence, and perhaps save the life of someone else," said Bennett-Stone.

Stone is not alone in her call for change, the Violent Crime Reduction Coordinator for Racine County and State Lead For Black Mothers United, Nakeyda Haymer, said it's never too early for kids to do the right thing.

"A young person needs to know the difference between a toy and a real gun and treat them all as unsafe. I think it can happen as early as parents desire," said Haymer.

Haymer lost her brother to gun violence in 2017, and now she's hoping her story will inspire change in the youth of tomorrow.

"If there is anything I could say through sharing my story that would prevent or inspire young people to make better choices, it's my obligation to do that," said Haymer.

The two women, sharing one message.

"Walk away and live for another day. Walk away," said Bennett-Stone.

This is the second year Racine County has participated in the nationwide push.

Since 1996 more than 10 million students have signed the pledge nationwide to help stop gun violence.