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About FATHERS SURVIVING GUN VIOLENCE

My Story

In the face of unimaginable tragedy, I, Michael Hodges, Sr., stand before you as a father who has endured the profound loss of not one, but two beloved sones to the scourge of gun violence. My journey is one marked by pain, resilience, and the unwavering commitment to channel my grief into a mission of hope and support for fathers who find themselves walking a similar path.

My story began in Cedar Rapids, a small town in Iowa, I was instilled with the values of faith, education, and the Golden Rule: "Treat others the way you want to be treated." As I grew, I found solace in sports, particularly basketball and football, and was recognized as a Hometown All Star during my high school years.

Yet, like many young individuals, I faced a pivotal moment where I started hanging out with the wrong crowd, leading to encounters with law enforcement. Recognizing the importance of wise choices and with the support of great parents and mentors, I made a conscious decision to refocus my life on education and sports. My successful high school athletic career paved the way for me to play college basketball at several institutions.

Upon completing my education, I returned to Cedar Rapids and took on the role of a father to five wonderful children, four boys, and one girl. While my childhood had been marked by the stability of a two-parent household, I understood that my children's upbringing would be different. Nevertheless, I made it my utmost priority to be a present and engaged father, even taking full custody of my children at times, raising them as a dedicated single father.

The trajectory of my life took a devastating turn on May 18, 2019, at 1 am when I received the call that no parent should ever have to answer. My youngest son, Matrell Michael Eu'Gene Johnson, had been fatally shot in what appeared to be a targeted attack, leaving my family and me shattered by the senseless violence that had claimed his life.

The pain deepened further on October 12, 2023, at 4:30 pm, when I received yet another call informing me that my eldest son, Michael Gene Hodges, Jr. had also been shot and killed. Mike Jr., who was to be the best man in my upcoming wedding, had his life abruptly cut short just two days before the joyous occasion.

Both of my sons lost their lives in the confines of their vehicles at convenience stores, victims of senseless acts of gun violence that left our family, friends, and community devastated.

Matrell Michael Eu'Gene Johnson, aged 18, was a young man with dreams and aspirations. He had a passion for basketball and cherished moments spent with friends. His life was cut short at a time when he should have been exploring adulthood and pursing his dreams.

Michael Gene Hodges, Jr., aged 29, had faced challenges in his life but had shown remarkable resilience. Despite legal troubles, he was determined to make positive changes. He had dreams of furthering his education, was working diligently to support his son, and had recently been accepted into a college architectural program. He was a loving father, a hard worker, and an ambitious young man whose future was

tragically stolen from him.

As a father, the loss of my sons has left an indelible mark on my heart, but it has also ignited a fire within me. Their memory fuels my determination to use my experiences to make a difference in the lives of fathers who walk this painful journey. I share my story, my testimony, and my hope with the world, in the fervent belief that by helping others navigate through this life-altering, enduring pain, we can collectively work towards a future where fathers do not have to bear this burden alone.

My Passion

My passion is helping fathers who have experienced the devastation of losing a child to gun violence find solace, strength, and renewed purpose within our supportive community. I envision a world where every father impacted by this tragedy can access the emotional healing, financial stability, and comprehensive resources needed to rebuild their lives.

My Philosophy

I believe that we should provide unwavering support, counseling, therapy, financial service, and a network of resources to fathers who have had their lives shattered by the heart-wrenching loss of their child or children to gun violence. I want to encourage and nurture the inherent strength within every father to rise above adversity and rebuild their lives.

The Art of Living Mindfully