JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — On Thursday evening, the city became a gathering place for families drawn together by sorrow, love, and unanswered questions.

These families, who have experienced the devastating impact of police violence, embraced each other in a collective quest for justice.

They convened at Café Resistance for an event titled “Justice for the Holidays,” organized by the Jacksonville Community Action Committee. When asked about their vision of justice, they emphasized the need for accountability, transparency, and answers.

The event served as a meeting point for mothers, spouses, and others bonded through shared loss, many meeting for the first time.

“I see where they’re hurting, and to go up and give them a hug and say, ‘I understand,’” said Charity Baker.

Baker’s daughter, Leah, was shot and killed by two Jacksonville sheriff’s officers on April 11, 2020. She was 29 years old and a mother.

According to JSO, officers responded to a dispute between two roommates. The sheriff’s office said Leah was holding a knife and swung it at an officer, refusing commands to drop it. She was shot and killed.

Baker said her daughter struggled with mental illness, and believes more training could save lives.

“You really need to learn de-escalation,” said Baker. “Learn how to talk to them, use their name. Try to call them back if they’re in a manic situation. We need help, and if we can’t call the police and ask for help, then who do we call?”

Throughout the evening, spouses spoke about raising children without fathers. Mothers wiped away tears and shared cherished memories.

Despite their pain, these families said they’re bonded by a common purpose.

“I’m here to support them, to let them know that they’re not the only ones going through this, and we have a lot of the same questions,” Baker said. “And we have a lot of the same feelings, and why does it take so long to get information?”

“You learn to live with it,” Baker added. “It’s always going to be there. To keep their memory alive is wonderful.”

According to JSO’s transparency portal, there have been 15 officer-involved shootings this year and eight in 2024.

First Coast News reached out to JSO Thursday for comment on the event, but did not get back to us by the end of day.

In JSO’s complaint process guide, it reads: “all complaints are reviewed and investigated to determine if an employee broke a law or JSO policy. Depending on the type of alleged misconduct, an officer could be subject to up to three separate investigations.”