Friends and family are gathering, honoring and celebrating the life of Maura Binkley.
21-year old Binkley was one of the two people killed in the Hot Yoga Tallahassee shooting on Nov. 2 last year.
Today would have been Maura's 22nd birthday. Her family and the community are launching "Maura's Voice" to address the concerns of gun violence in our country.
"I want to return to Maura in my dreams, where we are always holding hands, so excited to see each other again," said Audrey Benson, Maura's lifelong friend. "But we cannot take refuge in sleep, we must open our eyes. We can meet her out here."
Friends and family gathered on the steps of Florida's Historic Capitol Monday, to start a new effort to dig deeper into gun violence and other issues.
"We listen for the inevitable presence of Maura's Voice to summon the courage, to turn her and our imagination of an accepting and non-violent world into reality," said Benson.
Maura's Voice will partner with researchers from Florida State University to spearhead efforts to find the most effective ways to handle real-world issues.
"Now it's up to us, all of us, frankly, to help the Binkley family ensure that her voice, a voice of peace, love and kindness will carry on," said FSU President John Thrasher.
The foundation is even gaining attention from lawmakers in the Capitol.
"Enough is enough. We've had enough of violence," said Sen. Bill Montford (D). "We've had enough of young people who's future has been taken not only from them but from us as well."
Proving that Maura's voice means fighting hate with love.
"I can hear Maura's voice," said Jeff Binkley, Maura's father. "I trust that you can, too."
Monday night, the Capitol will turn purple in honor of Maura's Voice. That is set for 6:30 p.m.
