For years, in Cleveland and across the country, our communities have faced a national epidemic of police and gun violence. With each tragedy, there’s urgency to fight for justice and systemic change. For those who’ve grieved, there’s an additional burden: each new episode can be retraumatizing.

Black mothers in particular perform untold, unseen labor, not only to fight back, but to grieve, ensure the wellbeing of our families, and protect youth from a world that so often denies Black people their humanity.

The Angelo Miller Foundation formed to support young people and families that society has neglected for too long. We believe that those who have lost loved ones at the hands of the police deserve support and respect. Our core activities include: assisting the community with memorial and burial expenses, providing spaces for healing and conducting peer-to-peer youth and community outreach to build leadership for long-term policy.

Our director and CEO, Alicia Kirkman, is  a native of Cleveland, Ohio and the mother of Angelo Miller.  Where she established a non-profit organization through a vision from God. Alicia’s work began nearly 15 years ago with the Mothers And Fathers Of Unity after the unjust killing of her son, Angelo Miller, and the murder of her only brother in 2006.  Her work continues with the Angelo Miller Foundation, established just one year ago.

On July 15, 2007 Angelo Miller would have been 18 years old, Alicia wanted a big birthday party but Angelo Miller never made it, he was murdered four months before his 18th birthday. All he ever talked about was turning 18, graduating from high school, receiving his high school diploma, his driver’s license and continuing to show his two sons so much love. Angelo Miller was a great father and a terrific son.

So with all the heartaches and pain that Alicia and Angelo Miller’s brothers, sisters, family, friends and community went through with the loss of Angelo Miller’s life, Alicia decided to have a community gathering in the park to honor his life and birthday. Alicia included a couple of parents who have lost their kids by gun violence also and that’s how Mothers & Fathers Of Unity was established.

Mothers and Fathers Of Unity is an organization focused on the restoration and reconciliation of community and youth. Our mission is to establish a dialogue, engage and empower our community in the Greater Cleveland area. Alicia will keep fighting for justice for those who have no voice. Alicia will strive to make a difference so no one else will experience the pain of losing a loved one to any kind of violence.