Lora Harrison lost her son seven years ago to gun violence.
"He was the type of person that would give the shirt off of his back, you know, he was no saint, he had his flaws," she said.
On Sunday afternoon, Lora gathered among family, friends and community leaders to introduce an organization, Mothers with Broken Hearts, that supports grieving mother's who have lost a child to gun violence
"I know how I felt when I lost my son and I can feel the pain for other mothers, and it's hard, you never get over it," said Harrison. "So I just want to try and ease their pain."
Gun violence throughout Opelousas, and other surrounding communities has proven to be a pressing issue. And leaders are asking younger members of the community to help bring about change.
"Put down the guns. Let's pick up the books, let's go to school, let's get an education, let's have a future," said Alderman at large in Opelousas, Marvin Richard. "But I'm asking this community to come together better, let's save lives."
As for Lora, she hopes this organization will give mothers with broken hearts a place to grieve, and eventually forgive.
"I forgive the little boy that killed my son, and I wish everyone felt like I feel, and I'm asking all mothers with a broken heart to find it in their hearts to forgive them," she said.
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