Four years ago, on this day, I received news that shook me to my core. I was away from home in Nashville when I got a call from my dear friend and advisor, Pastor Michael Grady. His voice trembled as he told me his daughter was among the victims of a mass shooting at a Walmart in El Paso. My heart sank, and I immediately reached out to my own family, praying that they were safe, but I couldn’t shake off the overwhelming feeling of sadness that engulfed the entire community of El Paso.
Today, as we remember that dark day, my thoughts are with the victims’ families, who carry the weight of their loss daily. I cannot fathom their pain, but I stand in solidarity with them, sending prayers for strength and healing. We must remember the names and faces of those we lost, for they were more than just statistics—they were loved ones, cherished members of their families and communities.
We implore you to call out the victims’ names and remember their families as you pray for peace and comfort.
- Andre Anchondo, 23
- Jordan Anchondo, 24
- Arturo Benavides, 60
- Leonardo Campos, 41
- Angie Englisbee, 86
- Maria Flores, 77
- Raul Flores, 77
- Guillermo “Memo” Garcia, 36
- Jorge Calvillo García, 61
- Adolfo Cerros Hernández, 68
- Alexander Gerhard Hoffman, 66
- David Johnson, 63
- Luis Alfonzo Juarez, 90
- Maria Eugenia Legarreta Rothe, 58
- Maribel (Campos) Loya, 56
- Ivan Filiberto Manzano, 46
- Elsa Mendoza Marquez, 57
- Gloria Irma Márquez, 61
- Margie Reckard, 63
- Sara Esther Regalado Moriel, 66
- Javier Rodriguez, 15
- Teresa Sanchez, 82
- Juan Velazquez, 77
As we remember the victims, let us not forget the survivors. That tragic event forever altered their lives, and they bear that fateful day’s visible and invisible scars. We must respect their choices and the choices of those who stand with them in remembering and coping with the trauma they endured. Some may find solace in sharing their stories in person, while others might seek comfort online through support groups and forums. Some prefer to remember privately, in their thoughts and prayers. Whatever their choice may be, we must offer understanding and empathy.
In remembering this day, let us unite as a community, nation, and human beings. Let us honor the memory of those we lost by fostering a world of compassion, understanding, and love. While honoring the victims and survivors, let us forever engrain the insights gained from that sorrowful incident. Let us dedicate our efforts to preventing any future occurrence of such irrational cruelty.
Today, I stand with El Paso and all the communities affected by racism and domestic terrorism. May we find strength in unity and may the memories of those we lost serve as a powerful reminder of the work that still needs to be done.
Monica is the founder and publisher of Black El Paso Voice. She is an advocate fighting against racism and embracing positive community involvement. She is a lover of God, Puerto Rican cuisine, and the greatest defender of her family. She also enjoy House Music and swears it’s the best music on the planet!