Today we’d like to introduce you to Aaliyah Strong.
Hi Aaliyah, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
On February 2, 2022, my fiancé Tyshon Ross was shot and killed in front of me. We both worked at a well-known lounge in Atlanta. At the time, I was a waitress, and he was a Security Guard. On the night of February 2nd Ty lost his life for simply doing his job. As the days progressed, my entire life was in shambles. It almost felt as if everything came crashing down at once. Not only did I lose Ty that night, but I lost a piece of myself. Not to mention, I was no longer employed. I couldn’t return back to that place after what happened.
Fast forward, I had to begin making funeral arrangements, while trying to figure out where to go from that point. Ty had no life insurance at the time, which left me in a very difficult position; and his family was in no position to help pay for his funeral. I called so many city-wide organizations and everyone turned me around because Ty and I were not married yet. This meant I was not entitled to any assistance or compensation for anything. I argued that Ty and I lived together, that did not matter. Everything you can think of, I tried it. After spending my last on his funeral, I was unable to afford rent.
All in all, it was a lot to deal with. I was still trying to process what happened, grieve, plan a funeral all in one. In the midst of all of this, the media outlets began reaching out. I started doing interviews daily because I wanted Ty’s story to be heard and I did not want him to be “another news story.” He was a son, fiancé, brother, friend, and a light to so many people. That is what I wanted people to remember, and I wanted justice.
As the story began to grow city-wide, many organizations and churches assisted me with my financial obligations, so that I would not have to stress and rush back to work. However, I began to sit back and think… “Why aren’t their many resources in Atlanta for victims and survivors of gun violence.” Gun violence affects so many people and we need resources! So, that is when I decided I was going to start a non-profit. Tyme (Ty & Me) The name of my non-profit is Tyme to Thrive Beyond Grief.
Our mission is to educate, advocate, and assist victims and survivors of Gun Violence.
This organization rooted from my pain and my experience, but I know that my purpose for this is bigger than. Instead of complaining about the lack of resources, I wanted to become the resource.
I continued to do interviews, community events, podcasts, etc… Until one day, I received an invitation from the President.
(Joe Biden). I had gotten invited to the White House!! That is when I knew for sure, I was on the right path. I was invited to witness Potus sign the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act. It felt so surreal being in Washington D.C. The moment was so bittersweet because I could not believe in just four months my work has gotten me to the White House; but on the other hand, I hated my circumstances. When I returned from my trip, I was all gas no brakes in pushing my organization forward. I began making connections, doing press releases and so much more.
As of today, I have done 30+ interviews, hosted 5 community events, met 14 senators and mayors, assisted 20+ families, hosted a 12-day Christmas Giveaway, received 2 grants and we just celebrated our one-year official launching. (Feb 2, 2023).
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
This journey for me has by far been a smooth road. I faced so, so many challenges and struggles along the way, but I have stayed dedicated. From the moment I left Grady Memorial Hospital, with my head held low, I knew I had a long road ahead of me.
The very first struggle I encountered, was my battle to get the lounge closed. The owners of the establishment we worked at were not willing to provide any assistance for Ty’s funeral or to me for unemployment; and refused to accept any accountability for what happened on the night of the shooting. I tried to file for unemployment after what happened, and the DOL told me that there was no record of any of the employees working there, and the owners did not have any insurance for us at the time. There were so many things wrong at this point. Nonetheless, a huge obstacle was Ty not having life insurance. This left a huge burden on myself and my family. Which is why my organization, teaches families the importance of having life insurance, and how to obtain it.
Another major obstacle for me was, learning how to separate my emotions from my organization. I say this because, working with families daily and having to speak about Gun Violence, when you’re still grieving is a huge responsibility at times. So, I had to find an equal balance, and learn how to take a time-out for myself at times. I had to learn the importance of asking for help when it was needed, and learning how to take a step back when the load was too heavy on me.
Those are just a few of the struggles I experienced. Hence, trust me when I say this has definitely been a season of strength and growth in my life. I have been tested in so many ways, but I am willing to take on the load.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Tyme to Thrive Beyond Grief is a nonprofit organization founded and led by myself (Aaliyah Strong) in honor of my fiancé who was murdered due to senseless gun violence on February 2, 2022. Based in Atlanta, Georgia our intent is to honor Tyshon’s’ legacy and assist other families who have experienced the trauma and financial burdens of the impact from gun violence. By educating the community and uniting all people, we can take meaningful actions in schools, homes, and low-income communities to help prevent gun violence. TTBG promotes justice for victims and their loved ones, in hopes of transforming pain into power.
Since its inception, TTBG has made an enormous contribution to the overall well-being of citizens in Atlanta and surrounding areas. Our organization strives to increase proactive and preventative measures against gun violence within the community. We have programs that will promote justice, implement violence prevention initiatives and other services to victims and their immediate families and/or significant others affected by violence.
TTBG offers assistance for funeral expenses, resources for affordable therapy, resources for legal advocacy, life insurance classes, and support groups.
What makes you happy?
My son makes me happy. He is my number one motivating factor in all of this. As I am raising him, he also forces me to be better and push through anything. Happiness is something that my son and I had to relearn how to be.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @tymetothrive
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3087632798177191/?ref=share&mibextid=tejx2t
- Twitter: @tymetothrive
- Youtube: https://m.youtube.com/watch?fbclid=PAAab3zg0vlJHp2n1pp2mNX6KQpdieYG-fQ8pboXaLaefmZmUBrHpKPTjlWOA&v=-gO2KSpfcTE&feature=youtu.be
Image Credits
Personal Photo (Suit): Shaddai Pena
