Eight years ago, Regina Thompson-Jenkins’ life changed forever. Her 19-year-old son Tre,’ her only child, was killed by a senseless act of gun violence on Sept. 22, 2012 in Trenton, NJ. Tre’ died a hero by sacrificing his life to save two young ladies and avoiding an even greater tragedy. To honor his courage and legacy, Regina founded the Tre’ Devon Lane Foundation. Regina is a Senior Survivor Fellow and a National Mentor for Everytown. She couldn’t do this advocacy work without the love and support of her husband John, who is also an Everytown Survivor Fellow.
For many, 2020 was a year full of challenges and heartache. Do you have any advice for fellow survivors for how you remain resilient and committed to the mission in 2021?
Yes, 2020 was a year of heartache and pain. It was full of so much loss. We experienced a record number of gun violence in our communities all across the country even in a pandemic. I would say to a fellow survivor to use your pain to fuel your purpose to make a difference. Honor your loved one by sharing your story after the storm.
What has it meant to you to be part of Moms Demand Action and the Everytown Survivor Network?
I am very thankful to know the tireless advocates of the Moms Demand Action Team and proud to stand beside them with my red shirt on. I’m continuously inspired by their volunteering to keep our communities safe by the advocacy work they do to help change gun sense and gun safety laws. My Everytown Survivor Network Family has an unspoken bond that connects us. Survivors can be broken, but are RESILIENT. We are SURVIVOR STRONG. I am so grateful to know each and every one of the survivors from all across the country.
What is one thing you hope to personally accomplish as a survivor leader in the coming year?
The one thing I would like to accomplish this year in 2021 would be getting trained to be a National Trainer.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
It isn’t an easy process to share our stories over and over, but in order to honor our loved ones, we have to say their name, tell their story, be their voice, and find purpose for our pain after the storm. Let’s continue to do the advocacy work and keep pushing so no one else has to feel the way we do.
