Trevon Bosley, a first-time NYC Marathon runner, will be among the 50,000 participants on race day, but his motivation goes beyond just completing the 26.2-mile race. Bosley’s personal goal is to advocate for gun violence prevention, a cause that is deeply rooted in his own family’s tragic experiences.
In 2005, Bosley’s cousin Vincent Avant was fatally shot near their home in Chicago. Then, in 2021, Bosley’s brother Terrell Bosley, an aspiring 18-year-old bass player, was also killed in a shooting. These devastating losses shook Bosley’s family to its core, leading them to channel their grief into activism and prevention work.
Through organizations like Bold Resistance Against Violence Everywhere (B.R.A.V.E.) and March For Our Lives, Bosley has been actively involved in advocating for gun control and supporting families affected by gun violence. He has met with survivors of the Parkland school shooting in Florida to share stories and raise awareness about the impact of gun violence in Chicago.
In addition to his community work, Bosley also serves as the board co-chair for March For Our Lives, a youth-led nonprofit organization founded in response to the Parkland shooting. Together with the organization, Bosley has lobbied for legislative changes, such as the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act and an assault weapons ban in Illinois.
Despite the progress made in reducing gun violence rates in Chicago, Bosley acknowledges that there are still systemic issues contributing to the problem. He points to factors like lack of funding in the education system, limited workforce programs, and the easy access to guns from neighboring states with looser gun laws like Indiana.
To cope with the trauma and stress of his advocacy work, Bosley turned to running as a form of release and self-care. Running has provided him with a sense of clarity and peace amidst the chaos of his busy schedule as an electrical engineer and activist. His family’s organization, “Purpose Over Pain,” offers support to parents who have lost children to violence, highlighting the need for healing and community in the face of tragedy.
As Bosley prepares for the NYC Marathon, he plans to carry a token of his brother’s memory with him during the race, using it as a source of strength and motivation. Looking ahead, he hopes to introduce mental wellness initiatives through March For Our Lives, providing communities affected by gun violence with resources for relaxation and stress relief.
Through his advocacy work and marathon training, Bosley is committed to raising awareness about gun violence prevention and honoring the memory of his loved ones lost to senseless acts of violence. His dedication to bringing peace and healing to communities impacted by gun violence is a testament to his resilience and compassion in the face of adversity.
