Entrepreneur Syreeta Talbert tragically lost her 21-year-old son, Jalen, to gun violence in 2018. While mourning and grieving are only seasonal, she believes that in a tragedy such as the loss of a child, everyone has their own way of grieving.
To preserve her son’s legacy while turning her pain into purpose, Syreeta co-created the Talbert Memorial Fund/Jalen’s Journey, along with her youngest brother to honor the life of her son and another brother, Russell Talbert III, who at the same age of 21, was also a victim of gun violence.
Through a host of inspirational events, purposeful products and creative services, Jalen’s Journey serves as a resource to individuals, families, and communities who have experienced similar tragic losses, specifically that of loved ones to gun violence.
Tell us about the Talbert Memorial Foundation?
My brother, Baku, and I started The Talbert Foundation to honor my son Jalen and my brother Russell Talbert III, who were both murdered at the age of 21, almost 20 years apart. The foundation taps into the heartbeat of the community. The organization is both wanted and needed in the community.
The organization is both wanted and needed in the community. Rhee360 is an organization dedicated to helping women understand and heal from trauma. As a way to help me cope and heal I started making candles and found it really therapeutic. Soon I began finding other outlets and avenues that I think will be helpful to others as well. We also have Jalen’s Journey which focuses on creating an outlet for men and young boys to help change the narrative allowing Black men to be vulnerable to express their feelings and learning how to deal with them. We let them know it’s okay to not be okay.
How did your Father’s Day event with Ryan Henry, star of VH1’s Black Ink Crew: Chicago, come together?
It was really quite organic in how it all came together. I’ve known Ryan for a while and attended an event that he held honoring his late sister and niece. Both left this world too soon because of gun violence. After the event, we had a good talk and I asked if we could partner up to do an event honoring fathers and he agreed. He has been beyond supportive since the day we met. We are proud to partner with him, a Black father, on our Father’s Day event.
People grieve differently when they lose a loved one. Why is it also important to celebrate their life? How do you celebrate your son and brother?
I speak them into existence every day. This allows me to keep them present, helps me battle depression, and also allows me to be in a positive space. Even though we cry, know that celebrating your loved one is another healing tool. I celebrate my son and brother by speaking their name every day. Doing this exercise helps me keep happy thoughts. It helps me know that they know I am thinking about them. I make sure others know they are present. They often show up and give me signs that they are here with me.
In the Black community counseling and therapy are not always looked upon in a positive light. How do you know if you need to speak with a Grief Counselor?
Everyone needs counseling. We tend to get caught up in the labels of a “counselor” or “therapist”. It’s no different than the conversations you have when you go to the barbershop or salon or even with a total stranger. It never hurts to talk to someone professional to help you learn the tools to navigate your inner triggers.
In light of tennis star Naomi Osaka taking a stand for mental health, what are some of the things you do in terms of self-care and preserving yourself mentally?
I put myself first. I am a priority. I mark off time on the calendar for myself. I also surround myself with my sister tribe and supportive energy. I’ve learned to be vocal and transparent. I speak affirmations to pour into myself as I pour into others.
Both you and your mother have experienced the loss of a son. How do you both support one another?
My mother has always been there for me and our entire family. I learned how to forgive because of her. After losing her son, my brother, we didn’t understand what support really looked like. What I interpreted as my mother being strong was actually her not knowing how to express her grief. She shared with me that after losing my brother she still had to think about myself, my other brother, my father, and her grandson. As we journey together, we are learning how to ask for help and support and how to express our sorrow while remembering the joy.
What plans do you have for the future of the Talbert Foundation?
We have so many things planned for The Talbert Foundation to provide support to parents who lost their children and to children who lost their parents. We plan to change the narrative and normalize that it’s okay to not be okay. We have initiatives that make it extremely comfortable for black men to express their feelings and learn to be vulnerable.
At our upcoming ‘Real Men Heal’ Father’s Day event we want to provide the men with a memorable experience as we did for Mothers at our Pre-Mother’s Day Lunch. As a new organization, we have bold plans to be of support to people who have experienced what my family has gone through. I will always use the platform to preserve my son’s legacy and to honor the life of my brother, Russell Talbert III.
Best advice or words of wisdom to someone who wants to start a business to help give back?
That’s simple. Have honorable intentions, a good purpose, and a reason to start.
What’s something people would be surprised to know about you?
I am a pretty open book. I don’t know if there is anything my people would be surprised about at this point.
Favorite quote or affirmation?
“Let Go and Let God”. Let me say it again…”Let Go and Let God!”
What’s next for Syreeta Talbert and The Talbert Foundation?
Well coming up immediately is our Father’s Day event of course. I am also planning a healing retreat called “Rhee Treat” where we will create a relaxing and recharging atmosphere for those who heal others. Other upcoming projects include a podcast and a monthly subscription for my candle line coming in the fall.
For more information on Syretta Talbert and Jalen’s Journey, please visit www.rhee360.com and www.jalensjourney.com.
