“My Son Didn’t Die for Nothing”: A Mother’s Powerful Statement Amidst Tragedy
Braylon Hardges was just 14 years old when his life was tragically taken from him. His accused killer, 17-year-old Steven Sopko, was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 31 years for the murder of the Cleveland boy. At the time of the shooting, Sopko was only 16.
During the trial, prosecutors revealed that Sopko shot Hardges more than a dozen times in the back over a dispute involving a girl. “It hurts me,” said Seaerra LeFlore, Hardges’ mother. “He killed my baby.”
Sopko was tried as an adult and convicted on multiple charges, including two counts of murder, two counts of felonious assault, and aggravated murder. LeFlore expressed relief knowing that Sopko is now behind bars, but she recognizes that this is not the end of her journey.
In an effort to honor her son’s memory, LeFlore is determined to create a lasting legacy. She plans to establish a nonprofit organization called the Forever 14 Foundation, aimed at raising awareness about gun violence and supporting young people.
LeFlore envisions the foundation providing essential resources for children aged 11 to 17, including trained counselors, a food pantry, and a safe space for group sessions. “I want to keep my son’s memory alive,” she stated. “I was thinking of a drop-in center where kids can talk about what’s going on because many don’t have that outside their parents’ homes.”
She has identified a potential location for the foundation but estimates that she will need approximately $90,000 to secure the facility and provide necessary services.
“Imagine when we’re gone, what do we leave behind?” LeFlore said. “I want to make a difference while I’m still here. My son didn’t die that day for nothing. We came together for a reason, and I hope to turn this tragedy into a positive impact.”
LeFlore is reaching out to the community for assistance, particularly from those experienced in setting up nonprofits focused on gun violence prevention. She is seeking private donations to help fund the Forever 14 Foundation. For those interested in supporting this cause, more information can be found by clicking here.
Additionally, anyone wishing to offer non-monetary assistance can contact the foundation at forever14foundation@gmail.com.
