When 1-year-old Autumn Johnson was shot Tuesday night, Cynthia Nunn not only went into mourning but went into action. It's part of her organization, the Sylvia Nunn Angels' mission in the heart of Compton.
"We are trying to do intervention to stop the violence completely," Nunn said. "Some people say you can never stop it, but I say as long as there is a god something can happen."
Vicky Lindsey, of Project Cry No More, lost her son to gun violence 20 years ago.
"Lionel was my first born," she said. "January 25, 1976."
He was killed inside the car by the guys he was riding with.
Both have worked tirelessly because they say they know what it's like to be in it or be a victim.
"When Lionel got killed of course I wanted everybody dead, but I had to think, 'Wait a minute, let me have God handle this. I don't want to get in trouble and go to jail.'"
They take that knowledge to the streets and open their doors to help.
"I want to be able to provide a safe haven," Nunn said. "I want to be able to say, 'Oh, I know where my son or my daughter are at. They are at Sylvia Nunn's Angels.' I would love to have a boxing ring. I would love to have a studio."
Lindsey is part of Cease Fire, a coalition of activists who meet weekly to discuss the most recent violence, work with law enforcement and find ways to best react to crime in their neighborhood. After a tragedy like the death of baby Autumn, they are there. There is talk of retaliation.
The hope is there is also strength to come forward if someone knows who committed this or any other crime.
"We have the Crips. We have the Hispanics. We have the Bloods ..."
Nunn said names written on the side of her building represent the cost of even one loss of life to the entire society, no matter which side they are on.
"I wanted this wall mural because I wanted parents to know that your children are not forgotten," she said.
