The Robb Elementary School shooting that claimed 21 lives on May 24, 2022, devastated the small town of Uvalde, Texas. For a moment, the eyes of the nation set their attention on a community desperately attempting to put itself back together after horrific tragedy. Initially, the town rallied under “Uvalde Strong,” a phrase that promised unity during hard times. But over time, the city became divided, and the mantra that once unified Uvalde, split the community in two. Many wished to move on with their lives, but for some, that was not possible. This remains true two years later, the pain of losing a loved one is still fresh. The trauma, the heartache, the emptiness. It still haunts Uvalde. The town is still healing.

Students from the CSUN Journalism Department traveled to Uvalde, Texas to meet with families, friends and survivors of the tragedy. This trip was made possible by a generous grant from the Golden Globe Foundation.

On a sunny and windy morning in Uvalde, sun beams illuminate crosses surrounding a water fountain in the middle of the town’s central plaza. Some of the crosses have been knocked down by the strong winds that blow through the town.

There are remembrances left by friends, families and strangers who have all felt the impact of the massacre in Uvalde on May 24, 2022, when 21 lives were cut short by an 18-year-old with a military-grade weapon.

Rocks can be found at the base of each cross. Painted different colors, they carry a common message: “Too beautiful for Earth.”

The walls of the businesses surrounding the town plaza are painted with the portraits of the victims. The murals are beautiful, full of color, showing off the victims’ personalities. Each has a trifold-shaped memorial with the words “In Loving Memory,” adorned with candle-holders and trinkets left by friends and family members.

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