PHILADELPHIA – Mothers who have lost children to gun violence are bringing their pain and tragedy to the big stage. They are part of a larger production that brings hope during this epidemic of gun violence.

Women are not actresses.

“We are all living examples that there is life beyond that grave,” said Twannetta Ferebee.

They tell true stories of loss in a song called “Tomorrow Can’t Wait.”

“My life was horrible. It hasn’t been the same since he left,” said Ferebee, whose son William was shot on Oct. 11, 2022. He was 27.

“There’s still somebody out there, sitting on their couch, laying on their bed, and they feel like there’s no other reason and purpose to live,” Ferebee said.

Women are brave and inspiring. They are also members of the Mothers In Charge support group.

“They could have laid down and died. But they’re standing up to make a difference with the violence in our city, and that’s why they’re doing it,” said Dr. Dorothy Johnson Speight, who is the founder and national executive director of Responsible Mothers. Her son, Khaaliq, was 24 when he was shot seven times across a parking lot in 2001.

“The mission is to save lives,” she said. It’s the first time the organization has brought awareness to gun violence in storytelling, producing their part of the play about a mother whose son was killed and the community’s reaction.

“There are some scenes where you have to make the right decision, and hopefully some of those decisions that are made on stage will be part of the decision that our young people make in the future,” Speight said.

The play will take place on Saturday at Capa High School.

“What I hope they take away from this is the hope of getting answers, knowing that the community is still here and that you still have a strong faith. Have therapy, Responsible Moms are here. We have tons and tons of resources, and you’re not alone,” said Damon Hill, who wrote and directed the play.

For information on this important piece, go to Mothers In Charge website, here.