On July 20, 2023, around 11:30 p.m., tragedy struck in downtown Boston when 21-year-old Jazreanna Sheppard was fatally stabbed at the Park Street MBTA Station after finishing a long shift at work.
The vibrant young woman, full of life and dreams, succumbed two days later to her life-threatening injuries, leaving her family and friends shattered.
Jazreanna was more than just a statistic or a headline. She was a beacon of light and support in her community, often lifting others up even during her own struggles.
Yet, in the wake of her violent death, her sister, Edalis Analysa Soto Garcia, now 17, is determined to ensure that Jazreanna’s memory lives on through advocacy and action rather than despair.
In a heartfelt message, Edalis shares her grief and the profound changes that came with losing her sister.
When she arrived at the hospital, Edalis was met with an image that continues to haunt her—her sister, no longer the vibrant person she knew, reduced to a swollen, lifeless body.
This devastating experience created a divide in Edalis’s life, marking a before and after in her journey.
Life expected her to move forward, to function, despite carrying the profound weight of her trauma.
Edalis emphasizes that she is not sharing her story merely to revisit her pain but to highlight the need for change in society’s response to violence.
Too often, people dismiss violence as an unfortunate reality.
But Edalis argues that violence is not inevitable; it’s a series of choices made by individuals.
She calls for a collective effort to interrupt the cycle of violence through mutual respect, compassion, and a refusal to accept hurtful behaviors.
Weapons, harmful language, and seeking attention through social media are not the answers to violence.
Instead, Edalis advocates for building a community rooted in care and connection, where safety and love take precedence.
At just 17, Edalis has witnessed significant changes in her city and the rising prevalence of weapons among her peers.
She has seen a troubling mindset emerge—one that values respect for oneself over the dignity of others, leading to tragic outcomes.
Edalis articulates a powerful truth: respect must be reciprocal.
People must realize that they can extend basic human dignity to others, regardless of their personal feelings.
This small act of respect could, she believes, be a preventative measure against future violence.
The grief stemming from violence, particularly in her sister’s case, has taken a toll on Edalis’s mental health.
The overwhelming emotions she has faced—shock, confusion, sadness, and anger—remind her that grief is not bound by age; it impacts everyone deeply, regardless of their years.
Despite navigating this heartache, Edalis focuses on staying grounded and nurturing love and wisdom in her actions.
She recognizes, however, that trauma lingers and reshapes how one moves through life.
The local youth in Boston continue to face the reality of trauma daily, leading some to carry weapons for protection, which only perpetuates the ongoing cycle of violence.
Edalis believes in the potential of Boston, a city with immense opportunities, to implement powerful change by working together as a community.
She found support and purpose through the Center for Teen Empowerment, a youth-led organization dedicated to creating stronger communities.
This organization provided Edalis with a platform to grow as a leader, channel her pain into purpose, and advocate for her community.
Through her experience, she learned that striving for improvement is not solely for oneself but for the well-being of the collective as well.
At Teen Empowerment, young people come together to support one another and devise solutions for positive change, learning pivotal skills including listening, leading, and loving.
Edalis vows to honor her sister not just through mourning but through proactive measures and community engagement.
Jazreanna lived with passion and kindness, igniting a light in those around her.
In her honor, Edalis feels compelled to carry forward that torch of love and purpose.
She asserts that while flowers and candles may fade, the mission to remember Jazreanna through action and advocacy must continue.
“We must speak her name,” Edalis declares, urging the community to demand profound changes that will prevent further loss of life in Boston.
Her poignant message is clear: the time has come to stop the violence, embrace accountability, and choose love over hate.
Together, we must protect our youth and communities, not just for those we have lost, but for the generations yet to come.
We owe it to ourselves, to the past, and to the future, for we are indeed the next generation.
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