"I am Keyna Drinks, the founder of Still Waiting On Justice Advocates (SWOJA). My journey into advocacy began with a devastating loss—my husband, Kevin Drinks, was tragically shot and killed on December 10th, 2011. Faced with over a decade of waiting for justice, I founded SWOJA to be a beacon of support for those enduring similar hardships.

Kevin's case had gone cold, unsolved for many years, but I approached the challenge with tenacity, hope, and unwavering faith. After more than a decade of relentless perseverance, justice prevailed in March of 2022. The relief and peace of mind that followed, knowing those responsible were being held accountable, marked a turning point for me.

Saying 'Justice Was Served' brought a profound sense of closure, allowing my husband to rest in peace. I was determined to transform my personal tragedy into a force for good, leading to the establishment of SWOJA. My motto, 'Every Murder Matters,' encapsulates the core belief that no life lost to violence should go unnoticed. We’ve coined the phrase 'Cold Cases Can Be Warmed Up,' reflecting our conviction that, through relentless advocacy, even long-standing cases can be revived and justice achieved.

Through SWOJA, my mission is to enhance communication between grieving families and the authorities. I understand firsthand the emotional toll of waiting for justice. I aim to help families heal and find comfort, knowing that every effort is being made to bring justice to their loved ones. Together, we strive to turn tragedy into advocacy, ensuring that no one walks the painful path alone."

"I'm Eric (Rahman) Lawton, a proud native of North Philadelphia. My journey has been shaped by early marriage and the joy of raising four incredible children, among them a set of twins—a boy and a girl.

On April 15th, 2018, my world shattered when my twin son, Bilal Lawton, aged 27, was murdered through gun violence on the streets of North Philadelphia. The tragic incident left my grandson fatherless at just two years old. Five years have passed, and Bilal's case remains unsolved—a painful reality that, unfortunately, seems to be becoming the new normal. This is unacceptable.

While still waiting for justice in my son's murder case, I am determined to move forward. The unresolved pain propels me to join forces with Still Waiting On Justice Advocates (SWOJA), standing in solidarity with others who share the heartbreaking burden of unsolved cases.

In the face of adversity, my goal is to channel grief into action. By working alongside SWOJA, I aspire to not only seek justice for my son but also to contribute to a broader effort in bringing closure to countless families. Together, let us strive for a world where every life matters, and no one has to endure the anguish of an unsolved murder."

"Hello, my name is Dionne Ackridge. I am a dedicated advocate for SWOJA, driven by a deeply personal experience. On January 2, 2002, my little brother Gregory Woods was tragically murdered in West Philadelphia. His murder remains unsolved, leaving a profound impact on my life and fueling my passion to help others facing similar hardships.

The pain of losing Gregory and the quest for justice have shaped my commitment to supporting victims and their families. I understand the deep emotional toll and the longing for closure that comes with unsolved murders. It is my heartfelt desire to make a difference and bring comfort to those navigating the difficult journey of healing and seeking justice.

Through my involvement with SWOJA, I aim to provide empathy, understanding, and a listening ear to those in need. Together, we can create a supportive community and work towards solutions for unsolved murders in Philadelphia. I believe that by sharing our stories and supporting each other, we can make a meaningful impact and bring hope to those who are still waiting for answers."

“My heart carries the weight of a tragedy that no parent should endure. My son, Thomas Moore Jr., a 28-year-old graduate of Mansfield University, was a shining example of a well-mannered and beloved young man. He worked for the city, never one to find trouble, and universally admired by those who knew him.

On that tragic day, my son and his friend, after a routine trip to the gym and a shared breakfast, the unimaginable happened. While waiting at a traffic light, just one block from our home, a car approached and unleashed a barrage of shots into the passenger side of his friend's car. My son, shot twelve times, and his surviving friend, shot seven times. To this day, this act of violence still haunts my soul.

I can vividly recall the moment I received that heartbreaking phone call from my younger son, his voice laden with tears, uttering the devastating words: 'Dad, Booby (Tom) was shot and killed.'

Three years have passed, and the pain remains as fresh as that first day. The case, however, lingers in the shadows of unsolved mysteries. The person or people responsible for this heinous act have not yet been brought to justice.

Everyone deserves justice, and in my son's memory, I am determined to pursue it. I stand with Still Waiting On Justice Advocates, united in our mission to ensure that no family should endure the agony of an unsolved murder. Together, we can work towards a world where justice prevails for every victim, including my beloved son, Thomas Moore Jr.”

My name is Kim Taylor, and I am a Registered Nurse, Educator, and Care Coordinator in Philadelphia and the tri-state area. Throughout my career, I have encountered individuals from diverse backgrounds who have experienced the profound tragedy of losing a loved one to violence.

Personally, I have felt the devastating impact of violence, having lost family members and witnessed friends endure similar losses. The pain of unsolved cases, lingering for years, has motivated me to support these families and guide them through the challenging journey of seeking justice.

Joining Still Waiting on Justice Advocates aligns with my goal of providing hope and assistance to families affected by violence. I believe that through this organization, I can make a meaningful difference and help others navigate the path toward achieving justice for their loved ones.

Juanita Broaddus is a dedicated advocate with Still Waiting on Justice, holding an associate degree in Behavioral Health. Drawing on her educational background and a deep passion for social change, she works to support individuals navigating the complexities of the criminal justice system, particularly those impacted by the unsolved murders of loved ones.

With a strong focus on advocacy, Juanita is committed to raising awareness for families who continue to wait for justice. Her efforts aim to empower marginalized voices and promote a more compassionate and equitable legal system.