Trevon Bosley is gearing up to participate in the TCS New York City Marathon as one of the 50,000 runners. His reason for running his first marathon is deeply personal – to raise awareness for gun violence prevention. The tragic loss of his cousin Vincent Avant in 2005 and his brother Terrell Bosley in 2021 to gun violence shook his family to its core. The pain pushed them to start advocating for prevention efforts as a way to cope.
His dedication to this cause has led him to join Team Inspire, a group of 26 runners of varying experience levels, to raise funds for March for Our Lives – a gun control advocacy group. Despite only taking up running as a hobby less than a year ago, Bosley is committed to using his participation in the marathon to support this important cause.
In addition to his role as an electrical engineer, Bosley serves as a board co-chair for March For Our Lives and has been actively involved in advocating for gun legislation. The passing of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act in June 2022 and the ban on assault weapons in Illinois are some of the achievements he and his group have worked towards.
Growing up in Chicago, Bosley has witnessed the devastating impact of gun violence firsthand. While the city has seen a decrease in gun violence rates in recent years, it remains a persistent issue. Bosley attributes the problem to a combination of factors including underfunded education systems, lack of workforce programs, and the easy access to guns from neighboring states with more relaxed laws.
Despite the challenges, Bosley finds solace in running as a form of release and relaxation. His family, including his parents who co-founded “Purpose Over Pain,” a support group for parents who have lost children to violence, have turned their grief into action. Bosley’s next project involves implementing a mental wellness initiative to provide peace and relaxation days to communities affected by gun violence.
As he prepares for the marathon, Bosley carries a token of his brother Terrell with him, symbolizing his mission to share his brother’s story. The marathon will not only be a physical challenge but an emotional one as well, with Bosley planning to carry his brother’s chain in his pocket as a source of motivation during the race.
