The father of a woman killed by gang violence spoke before the Cook County Board of Commissioners last week.
Andrew Holmes’ daughter, Tamara Sword, was killed on her 33rd birthday after being caught in the crossfire of a gang shooting at a gas station in Indianapolis. Holmes told the board he wishes he could turn back time for every parent who has lost a child.
Commissioner Richard Boykin told Holmes the board stands with him and thanked Holmes
for his efforts on behalf of victims of violent crime.
“We stand with you to try to rid our city and our county of gun violence,” Boykin said.
Since his daughter’s death, Holmes has become an advocate for young people who have been victims of violence and his work was recognized by the board, which approved a resolution honoring Sword and Holmes.
The resolution was brought by Commissioner Sean Morrison, R–Orland Park, who said Holmes has worked to bring home hundreds of missing minors.
“To all the commissioners, your words mean a lot, but this is not a one-man show,” Holmes said.
“It takes all of us.”
Sword left behind five children and Holmes was joined at the podium by his eldest granddaughter; they both held back tears while Holmes spoke about the violence that claimed his daughter’s life.
“To each and every citizen in Chicago, keep fighting,” Holmes said.
“We can’t point the finger; it’s on us. Let’s take care of our children.”