In 2020, gun violence became the leading cause of mortality for Americans aged 1-19. Overshadowing cancer, car accidents, and drug overdoses, the US endured a cascade of firearm-related fatalities, surging 29% from the previous year. Since 1981, more than 170,000 youths between the ages of five and 24 have fallen victim to this epidemic – a truly sobering statistic.

“A lot of us began to rally against the normalization. We didn’t have to accept this as ordinary. Looking back, I know that I had a voice, but sometimes you need a catalyst to be loud and proud about it.”

One day, Lauryn and her peers sat riveted in a social studies class, absorbed by the arguments of an impassioned debate. Emotions ran high, but grief had a potency that inspired. Amid those conversations, an idea had begun to develop.

“Eventually, we agreed to set out our ideas as a unified front. That’s how we came up with Pathways to Power.”

“Mourning Zaire and Paris included this outlet – art and advocacy, and the intersection between the two,” Lauryn recounts. “I’m not an artist, but I had very strong visions of what I wanted it to look like, where I wanted to be, and how I imagined its effects.

“All five needed to be really tall and realistic, in a neighborhood where they’d be recognized. There were times where I thought I couldn’t do it… the process took a lot out of me. I felt like my focus was being pulled in many different directions, being in high school and dealing with those pressures. But in the end, I think this project saved me. I managed to generate something meaningful out of a situation that really shouldn’t have happened. It helped me get through the grieving process.”

Devoid of any unnecessary complications, names and faces are foregrounded beneath stark map diagrams of Washington’s wards. Each figure illustrates the victim’s district, a poignant reminder of the ongoing emergency and its immediacy.

“You’re forced to confront it,” Lauryn observes. “That’s exactly what needs to happen – people must recognize and respond.”

A popular character, Derronn Walker was an avid basketballer with a sharp sense of humor. Like so many youngsters before him, he was caught in the crossfire of a crisis he had no part in. Following his death, Destini became more actively involved with Pathways, participating in its diverse initiatives. Impressions of her brother are a constant. They instill passion and purpose in everything she pursues.

“I miss him deeply. He’s always in my thoughts, and I know he’d want me to do this,” she reflects.

Pathways kicked off in Destini’s ninth-grade year. Reluctant at first, she slowly began to find her feet, participating in debates that stimulated an assessment of the issues at hand.

“I’ve felt a lot of love here. The majority of the time, I feel safe… even when things get a bit crazy. I was nervous at first, but I settled into it. I feel like they’ve put me on the right trail. Since Derronn passed, I wanted to be involved with something that tackled the fundamental questions surrounding gun violence. It just took a few years for me to find a way in – I knew that I had to build my confidence first.

“When I was in eleventh grade, we undertook a lot of projects in my Introduction to Law class. My teacher noticed my enthusiasm, so she encouraged me to join. I started attending, and just loved the open discussions. It was so passionate, and now that energy translates into positive outcomes for the wider community. For us, everybody counts. Everyone has value.”

Arming herself with an insight far beyond her years, Destini’s compassion forms the basis of her outlook. To make an effectual impact, its function is critical.

“Empathy is so useful. It reminds you that you aren’t alone in your experiences, and what you’re feeling. When you can put yourself in someone else’s shoes, and really consider their perspective – everyone involved benefits. That’s how awareness is gained, and positivity is a natural byproduct of that whole process. I think a lot of D.C.’s youth are missing that sense of support from our leaders. Once we have a seat at the table, we can start discussing how to resolve the problems we face.

“For now, I think the first step begins with listening. It really is that simple.”

Since its conception, four cohorts of leaders have continued Pathways’ fight, and it doesn’t show any signs of stagnation. “The domino effect is clear,” Lauryn smiles. “And it’s only getting bigger.”

You can learn more about Pathways to Power here

To learn more about Before We Could Drink and how it got started, click here