Cousin of journalist killed in Norfolk shooting starts movement in her honour

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — Two years ago, the city of Norfolk made headlines for all the wrong reasons. Sierra Jenkins and two other people were killed at Chicho’s Backstage on Granby Street in downtown Norfolk.

Entertainer Sesil Jenkins, known as a protégé of Marvin Gayewas Jenkins’ cousin. He returned to his hometown from Las Vegas to start a national movement called Take Back Our Children.

There was no justice in Chicho’s case. Witnesses, fearing for their lives, refused to testify in court. Since Sierra’s death, dozens of other young people have been killed by gun violence in Hampton Roads.

Jenkins knows the entertainment scene and knows the streets. Jenkins, now 70, was a member of a gang called the Corner Boys. After his cousin died, he founded a nonprofit organization that addresses the social ills that lead to criminal activity.

“All gang members, please talk to me. Come talk to me. I know it’s about money. Yes, it’s about money. I’m willing to hand over the funds to TBOC so we can educate you about what you want to do in life,” Jenkins said.

Jenkins will kick off the pre-inauguration fundraiser in downtown Norfolk on Saturday night, and a national music tour may follow next year. He hopes sports and music stars from the Hampton Roads area will join him.

“I’m using what I have now. I call Missy. I call Pharrell, I call Timbaland, I call Pusha T and so on and so forth. I’m old school. Y’all know I would give my life for any of you. Now come with me so we can change the paradigm here in Virginia. First Norfolk, Hampton Roads, then we’ll do it nationwide,” Jenkins said.

For more information about the fundraiser, please email Dr. Sesil Jenkins at [email protected].