Ledes from the Land of Enchantment

New Mexico Crusaders for Justice is helping the Albuquerque community in honor of the fallen loved ones

For some people, the holidays just aren’t easy. Like Alicia Otero, whose son Elias was shot dead outside his home in Albuquerque last February. “It’s extremely difficult. We really don’t want to celebrate Christmas,” Alicia said. The same goes for Josette Otero. Her son Kyle was shot while driving a car in April 2020. He was only 15 years old. “We all suffer. We all miss our loved ones. We all have this empty chair for our Christmas dinner,” said Josette. She added that her son had the biggest heart, often giving money and free meals to those in need. “He always threw dollar bills out his window and I never knew why when he was on the freeway,” Josette said. “I said to him, ‘Son, what are you doing? You’re throwing money out the window. ‘ He said, ‘Mom, the homeless stroll.’ So I said, ‘Yes, my son, you do.’ And he says, ‘I need to make sure they have money.’ “She’s now honoring his legacy by helping her own community with essentials. But she doesn’t do it alone. On Friday afternoon, Josette and several members of the New Mexico Crusaders became for Justice in Coronado Park and Zuni Street seen giving back to the homeless, “Josette said. The local group gave away free snacks and “blessing bags” filled with hygiene articles and winter clothing. Sally Sanchez said her son Antonio was also homeless. He was found handcuffed and shot in a house over a year ago. “I looked and looked for him because I knew he was on the street,” said Sanchez. “I see what these homeless people are going through, the suffering they are going through. For many of them, it’s not a voluntary choice. ”United by grief and loss, the organization plans to give back to the Duke City community more often in honor of loved ones who have gone too soon. “I am very proud of what I do with the Crusaders and here in his honor,” said Sanchez. And hopes for better memories. “I think he would … now do it for him, in his honor,” Josette said. “I know he’d say, ‘Come on, get her, mom. Get her!’” The New Mexico Crusaders for Justice are expected to speak to state lawmakers and call for a change against gun violence during the next legislature. Members will meet at the Roundhouse January 18, and community members are encouraged to attend.

For some people, the holidays just aren’t easy.

Like Alicia Otero, whose son Elias was shot dead outside his home in Albuquerque last February.

“It’s extremely difficult. We really don’t want to celebrate Christmas,” said Alicia.

The same goes for Josette Otero. Her son Kyle was shot while driving in April 2020.

He was only 15 years old.

“We all suffer. We all miss our loved ones. We all have this empty chair for our Christmas dinner,” said Josette.

She added that her son had the biggest heart, often giving money and free meals to those in need.

“He used to toss dollar bills out of his window and I never knew why when he was on the highway,” said Josette. “I said to him, ‘Son, what are you doing? You’re throwing money out the window. ‘ He said, ‘Mom, the homeless stroll.’ So I said, ‘Yes, my son, you do.’ And he says, ‘I have to make sure they have money.’ “

She is now honoring his legacy by helping her own community with essentials.

It doesn’t do it alone, however.

On Friday afternoon, Josette and several members of the New Mexico Crusaders for Justice were seen giving back to the homeless in Coronado Park and Zuni Street.

“I honor my son because I know he wanted to and he would,” said Josette.

The local group gave away free snacks and “blessing bags” filled with hygiene articles and winter clothing.

Sally Sanchez said her son Antonio was also homeless. He was found handcuffed and shot in a house over a year ago.

“I looked and looked for him because I knew he was on the street,” said Sanchez. “I see what these homeless people are going through, the suffering they are going through. For many of them, it’s not voluntary.”

United by grief and loss, the organization plans to give back to the Duke City community more often in honor of loved ones who left early.

“I know [Antonio is] very proud of what I’m doing to the crusaders and here in his honor, “said Sanchez.

And hopes for better memories.

“I think he would [be proud of me]. [Kyle] knows that everything I do now is for him, in his honor, “said Josette.” I know he would say, ‘Go and get her mom. Go get her! ‘”

The New Mexico Crusaders for Justice is expected to speak to state lawmakers in the next legislature to call for a change against gun violence.

Members will meet at the Roundhouse on January 18th.

Parishioners are welcome to attend.

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