757 Change Makers Caught Up with Shana Turner of H.R. MASK!

I caught up with Shana Turner, a community activist, and the founder of H.R. MASK. Check out her unique story and her reasons for creating Hampton Roads Mothers Against Senseless Killings.

SYNNIKA LOFTON: When did you start H.R. MASK? Why?

SHANA TURNER: I started Hampton Roads Mothers Against Senseless Killings (H.R. MASK) in 2018, just months after my son, Shaquille, was tragically murdered in late 2017. I wanted to honor his memory and channel my grief into action. The organization was born out of a need to raise awareness, provide support to families, and work toward ending senseless violence in our community.

SYNNIKA LOFTON: What’s the main purpose of H.R. MASK?

SHANA TURNER: Our mission is to be the voice for lives lost and the families left behind. We focus on education, advocacy, prevention, intervention, mentorship, and raising awareness about gun violence. Ultimately, we want to heal communities and reduce recidivism by creating spaces for dialogue, support, and action. We want to make it clear we are not anti-guns, but common-sense advocacy

SYNNIKA LOFTON: Does H.R. MASK work with any other local organizations in Hampton Roads, Virginia?   

SHANA TURNER: Yes, collaboration is central to our work. We’ve partnered with groups like the Commonwealth Attorney’s General Office Outreach and Engagement, Norfolk Family Justice Center, VOCCA, Voices of Black Mothers United, a Woodson Center Initiative, and other local advocates. We also participate in community events, such as National Victims Crime Week and work alongside schools, churches, and grassroots organizations to amplify our impact. This is just a few; there are so many levels to us. 

SYNNIKA LOFTON: You have committed a lot of time and resources to H.R. MASK. What do you find is the most difficult part of the work you do?

SHANA TURNER: The hardest part is carrying the emotional weight of the stories we hear and the losses we witness. Every family’s pain is deeply personal and reliving my own loss, while supporting others, can be overwhelming. Balancing that emotional toll with the need to stay strong and keep pushing forward is the most challenging aspect.

SYNNIKA LOFTON: You have been recognized in Hampton Roads for your community activism. How does it feel to get that sort of recognition from people? SHANA TURNER: Through awards, media coverage, or simply saying “thank you;” it reminds me that the effort is making a difference. It’s both healing and motivating.

SYNNIKA LOFTON: What else should readers know about H.R. MASK?

SHANA TURNER: Our mission is to be the voice for lives lost and the families left behind. We focus on education, advocacy, prevention, intervention, mentorship, and raising awareness about gun violence. In partnership with Operation Determine Against Recidivism (ODAR), we also work to reduce recidivism by promoting restorative justice, mentoring programs, advocacy training, and youth voice committees. Together, we aim to break cycles of violence and incarceration while building stronger, safer communities.

SYNNIKA LOFTON: If readers want to find out more about your organization, where can they contact you?  

SHANA TURNER: They can visit our website at: hrmask.org I have so much content that's not been added to the website, as of yet. You can also reach me at: shana@hrmask.org

757 Change Makers is a column by Synnika A. Lofton, which features local artists, authors, activists, business owners, and creatives of Hampton Roads, Virginia. For more information or to be a possible feature, contact Spotlight News!