In the wake of a heartbreaking loss, Julia Arista is transforming her grief into a powerful mission to support families shattered by violence in Stockton. Her son, Susano Archuleta, was just 21 when he was tragically killed while helping children escape during a mass shooting at a birthday party. As she grapples with her own profound loss, Julia is determined to ensure that other mothers don’t feel alone in their pain.
With the backing of the No Limits Revival Center, Julia has embraced her newfound purpose through the Stockton Stand Up campaign. This initiative aims to promote unity, healing, and hope in a community grappling with the impacts of gun and gang violence. Ricky Anicas, a member of the church, aptly puts it, stating that “it’s going to take a city to save a city,” emphasizing the need for collective effort in addressing these issues.
And that’s not all—Julia and the team are launching an anthem, “Stockton Stand Up,” which will be unveiled at a benefit concert in February. The song not only represents their fight against violence but also serves as a rallying call for everyone to stand together in solidarity. It’s a poignant reminder of how out of tragedy can spring inspiration and proactive change. Julia’s journey proves that even when the world seems bleak, there’s still a flicker of hope waiting to be ignited.
About the Author
Andrew Johnson
Andrew Johnson is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.
