NORFOLK, Va. — A year has passed since the streets of Norfolk were marred by the death of 33-year-old Ali Muhammad, who was fatally shot on 1st Bay Street on June 29. Ali was not just any Norfolk resident; he was a devoted father and the son of Bilal Muhammad, a well-known local advocate tirelessly campaigning against gun violence.
In an emotional recollection of his son’s final moments, Bilal shared that he was on the phone with Ali during the altercation that led to his untimely death. Ali was reportedly trying to leave for work to support his three young daughters when he was shot. In the aftermath of the tragedy, Bilal, together with his wife, Cynthia, has taken on the role of raising their granddaughters.
Bilal’s link to his son goes beyond familial ties; they shared a commitment to community activism. Ali worked alongside his father in the “Stop the Violence” initiative, a campaign aimed at curbing local gun-related incidents. This shared mission has underscored the full weight of the impact his death has had on the community and his family.
The Muhammads’ dedication to nurturing Ali’s daughters in his absence has been both a responsibility and solace for them. “Our son used to remind me of our promise to look after his girls,” Bilal recounted. Ensuring these young girls grow up with the same values of love and passion for community service that their father espoused has become a cornerstone of the Muhammad family’s healing process.
As the family continues to cope, the broader community around them has rallied in support, uniting under the shared grief and a strengthened resolve against violence. Bilal’s own grief has pushed him forward, as he channels pain into purpose by reaching out to other families who have faced similar tragedies, stressing the importance of community solidarity.
Meanwhile, the quest for justice is ongoing. Jalen Garces, 28, has been charged with second-degree murder in connection with Ali Muhammad’s death. The case is drawing significant community attention, with the trial scheduled for October 22, underlining the broader societal challenges and the call for justice and safer communities.
While the community mourns Ali, the Muhammad family’s story illuminates the ongoing struggle against gun violence in Norfolk, a tale of loss but also of hope, that through tragedy can come unity.