(This article was originally published in the Feb. 9 print edition of the Herald)

Galen Kusic, Editor

Feb. 1-8 was National Gun Violence Survivors Week. Across the country and world, survivors of gun violence honored and remembered their loved ones lost.

Here in Benicia, Justine Chadly, Director/Owner of In Harmony Music shared the story of her son, Damani “Mani” Elijah Chadly, who was murdered in Dec. of 2018 in Fremont at the age of 17. Damani was a senior at California High School in San Ramon and was a talented music producer and athlete.

Chadly grew up in Benicia, where he attended Mary Farmar Elementary, swam at James Lemos Swim Center, played basketball at the City Gym and played baseball for Benicia Little League.

His mother described him as “a lovable ball of energy around town.” Although he was set to graduate from Cal High after moving to San Ramon for high school, his Mary Farmar classmates graduated from Benicia High School and wore his name on their hats and shawls to carry them with him last year.

“Since the tragedy of losing him, I have moved back to Benicia because it has always felt like home and this community has truly shown the most love and support one could imagine,” said Justine, whose mother and sister also live in town.

“Mani” was the inspiration for In Harmony Music, her business she started in town when he was a toddler. She provides a music education studio for families with young children to make music together.

“Despite the loss of him, I will continue to love and support all the children of this special town,” she said.

The City of Benicia installed a memorial bench on Jan. 31 for Damani at the waterfront on E. St. The bench required an approval process that described who he was in the community and why it was such a tragic loss to all those that knew him.

“He was a child known and cared for here,” she said.

As part of National Gun Violence Survivors Week, Congressman Eric Swalwell (D-15) shared Chadly’s story by honoring Damani with a post on Facebook to celebrate the young man’s life and speak out for all those that are suffering due to losing a loved one to gun violence.

“In memory of Damani Elijah Chadly, we move forward in the fight to create a world where the safety of our children isn’t left to chance,” Swalwell’s post reads. “Gun violence destroys lives and tears communities apart. No one should have to go through this pain.”

To learn more about Damani and other victims of gun violence, please visit The Survivors Network. Stories are found at #momentsthatsurvive.

“For moms like Justine and students everywhere—we must do more to end gun violence,” said Swalwell.