NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — Two years ago, the City of Norfolk was in the headlines for all the wrong reasons. Newspaper journalist Sierra Jenkins and two other people were killed at Chicho’s Backstage on Granby Street in Downtown Norfolk.

Entertainer Sesil Jenkins, known as the Marvin Gaye protégé, was Jenkins’ cousin. He has returned to his hometown from Las Vegas to launch a nationwide movement called Take Back Our Children.

Justice has been elusive in the Chicho’s case. Witnesses, fearing for their lives, have refused to testify in court. Since Sierra’s death, dozens of other young people in Hampton Roads have been killed in gun violence.

Jenkins knows his way around the entertainment scene and knows the streets. Jenkins, now 70 years old, was a member of a gang called the Corner Boys. After his cousin’s death, he formed a non-profit organization that plans to address the social ills that contribute to criminal activity.

“All gang members, please talk with me. Come and talk with me. I know that it’s about funds. Yes, it’s about funds. I’m ready to get the funds to TBOC so that we can educate you about what it is that you want to do in life,” Jenkins said.

Saturday evening, Jenkins will kick off the pre-inaugural black-tie fundraiser in Downtown Norfolk. A nationwide musical tour could follow next year. He hopes sports and musical superstars from the Hampton Roads area will join his effort.

“I am using what I have now. I’m calling out Missy. I’m calling out Pharrell, I’m calling out Timbaland, I’m calling out Pusha T, and on and on and on. I’m in old school. Y’all know that I will lay down my life for any one of you. Now get with me so that we can change the paradigm here in Virginia. First, Norfolk, Hampton Roads, then we take it nationwide,” Jenkins said.

For more information on the fundraising event, contact Dr. Sesil Jenkins via email: TBOCVirginia2024@gmail.com.