About Us

Camelia “Gigi” Schley is a dedicated advocate and mother of three who has been at the forefront of the fight for racial justice, particularly focusing on the plight of Black men, for over a decade. Her journey into this critical work was triggered by a heartbreaking tragedy in 2006, when her 18-year-old son, Angelo Gary, fell victim to a devastating shooting incident at the now-renovated Michigan Link apartments in Fort Myers.

The incident that forever altered Gigi’s life took place when Gary and his cousin Marcus Battles were caught in a hail of gunfire near the porch of their grandmother’s apartment. A man was initially charged with double homicide in connection with the killings, but those charges were later dropped due to a witness recanting their statement, as reported by The News-Press. This left the case in a state of uncertainty and grief for Schley and her family.

However, instead of succumbing to despair, Gigi Schley decided to channel her pain and loss into a mission for positive change. She has been a steadfast advocate for her community, seeking to address the trauma inflicted by gun violence and violent crime. In her commitment to this cause, she founded a local organization known as “Loving on Loved Ones,” affectionately referred to as “Lolo” for short. Through Lolo, she offers support, comfort, and a sense of belonging to those who have been affected by gun violence, creating a platform for healing and resilience in the face of adversity.

Furthermore, Gigi Schley’s passion for transformation has extended to the realm of creative and impactful initiatives. She has spearheaded a Bullets4Life chapter in Fort Myers, providing an innovative and symbolic way for people to turn bullets, instruments of violence, into jewelry, symbols of hope and renewal. Through her tireless efforts and unwavering dedication, Gigi Schley has emerged as a beacon of inspiration and strength in the fight for racial justice and the healing of communities affected by gun violence.