On Tuesday, June 6, Charles Willis was on Cowardin Avenue going to get dinner when he saw police cars racing across the Lee Bridge toward Virginia Commonwealth University’s campus.

He knew something was wrong.

When he learned the reason for the speeding police cars and flashing lights, he was unable to eat until nearly two days later.

Mr. Willis got a call saying that there was a mass shooting and that the Trauma Healing Response Network, a nonprofit he works with, was on the scene. The organization provides resources to families during traumatic events.

Before the evening ended, Mr. Willis was among thousands of horrified Richmonders who heard that two men, Shawn Jackson and Renzo Smith, were shot and killed at Monroe Park after leaving Huguenot High School’s graduation ceremonies. Nearly a dozen others were injured. The alleged gunman Amari Ty-Jon Pollard, 19, soon was arrested and charged in Richmond court with two counts of second degree murder with additional charges possible, according to police.

Mr. Willis’ first response was to be there to assist the families and guide them to safe places. As a community leader and advocate, he was pleased with how the different police departments and private security entities for worked together in handling the crisis.

Mr. Willis describes himself as in his 60s with 34 years of experience as a community advocate. He grew up in Mosby Court and graduated from John F. Kennedy High School. He is the founder, CEO and executive director of United Communities Against Crime, a nonprofit organization founded in 2012. The group has worked with families throughout Virginia and has even spanned into North Carolina.

Mr. Willis formerly worked at Richmond Public Schools as an instructional assistant teaching and working with children with special needs. He also has been a DJ. He has worked with grieving families for over 27 years.

Mr. Willis “provides a great service to the community,” said Tracey Hardney-Scott, board chair of the Help Me Help You Foundation.

“I honestly think that he’s under-appreciated,” she continued.

Ms. Hardney-Scott describes Mr. Willis as “the first responder to first responders” that works “relentlessly” for the Richmond community and is someone “who should be more appreciated and recognized for the work that he does,” she said.

It’s been challenging since the mass shooting, Mr. Willis said.

On June 11, United Communities Against Crime held a prayer vigil at Abner Clay Park for victims Shawn Jackson, 18, and his stepfather, Renzo Smith, 36. Things do not end after the funeral – that’s when things begin, Mr. Willis said.

“The birthdays, the holidays, the vacation days and all of this stuff that she had planned for and wished for and all the wonderful things the family had planned is a dream. It’s gone,” he said.

Violence prevention and conflict resolution must be taught within school systems and neighborhoods to alleviate violence in the community, Mr. Willis said.

“Parents, young folks, senior citizens, even our community leaders need to be taught by professionals and people that work in that field on how to resolve conflict without resorting to violence,” he said.

Mr. Willis encourages citizens to reach out to United Communities Against Crime for resources such as educational tools and mental health counseling. The group can be reached at (804)399-1111.