Beyond the Bullet: Gunshot Survivors Speak on Mental Health

A group of remarkable human beings have gathered in Philadelphia to discuss mental health as gunshot survivors — first live, now virtually. They come from different parts of the city, they are of different ages and have different talents, skills, and life experiences. They have different living situations. They do have a few things in common, however. They are all in wheelchairs. And they all have experienced trauma. They are all members of a support group for gunshot survivors, A Wheel Family, a fellowship of victims of gun violence in Philadelphia.

Some have been paralyzed for years; others, just months. Regardless of where they are in their own personal journeys, they gather to collectively heal, support, and uplift each other. Headlines may convey death tolls from gun violence, but what they don’t chronicle are the formidable and diverse challenges of being a gunshot survivor.

Recovery Diaries is proud to present “Beyond the Bullet: Gunshot Violence Survivors Speak.” The series presents members of the Gun Violence Survivors’ Support Group telling of their journeys of pain and healing, isolation and community, and, most beautifully, stories of recovery, love, and support.

All of the voices in this series about mental health and gunshot violence deserve our attention. Their lives are the window into the very human suffering that gun violence has on our society. At their core, these are hope-filled, awe-inspiring stories filled with strength and resilience.

We invite you to join the conversation and would love to know your stories, your thoughts on this topic. Please comment on one of these gun violence survivor short films if you feel comfortable sharing. A playlist of all four short films can be viewed on YouTube.

Charles Horton is a founding member of the Gun Violence Survivors’ Support Group. Charles was injured at 17 years of age, and has been a disability activist for most of his life. He is a thoughtful human. Charles uses his experience to speak about the journey a newly disabled person must take when first injured—how one must “introduce” his old self to his new “disability-self,” and then move through the stages of acceptance. But it’s not easy.

Stephen “B” Smith was 16 years old when he was shot. By his best friend. With his own gun. His friend was joking around when the gun went off and a bullet went through B’s neck. It clipped his spinal cord. It was an accident that changed the trajectory of B’s life. B now shares his mental health recovery story, living with depression, trauma, and PTSD. At the age of 37 on September 30, 2023, Steven Bryon Smith died unexpectedly.

Jaleel King was shot at a very young age, and has been in a wheelchair longer than many other group members. As a result, he has wrestled longer with the impact that the trauma he experienced has had on his life. As a young person in a wheelchair, Jaleel experienced teasing from other kids, and contemplated ending his life. In our interview, he reflects thoughtfully about his efforts to keep a positive attitude. His experience has given him tremendous wisdom.

Jalil Frazier is a hard-working father who is always at the ready to help a friend in need. He was shot trying to prevent a robbery at a neighborhood barber shop. In addition to the physical challenges he faces, Jalil knows that the mental challenges brought on by his injury—fighting the “dark place” his mind wants to travel to when he feels low—are equally important to discuss and address. Still, his spirit remains inspiringly positive.

Leon Harris was a victim of an armed robbery on his way home from work one evening at the age of 17. The violence left him paralyzed, and he has been in a wheelchair in the years since. While Leon has experienced a great deal of pain and loss in his life after violence, love and laughter have been key ingredients for his recovery. And therapy is also a key component to his wellness.