Outside the Walmart on Wood Drive, two determined young women stood in the Oklahoma summer heat – not for recognition, but for a mission. Jamyah McClellan and Tylor Jackson were representing Stand for the Silent, a national anti-bullying nonprofit that’s turning personal pain into public advocacy.
“Growing up, bullying was really prominent in the schools that I went to,” said Jamyah. “I never found myself being weakened by bullying, because I had strong parents and they definitely told me what to do in those situations. But I really just wanted to advocate.”
Currently pursuing her education in journalism, Jamyah said her passion goes beyond donations. “It really means a lot, and a lot of people take in that information and cling on to it. I just love spreading the information while advocating for the silent because they need a voice.”
For Jamyah this isn’t just standing behind a table – she’s standing in the gap for kids who don’t know how to fight back.
Founded in 2010 after the tragic suicide of 11-year-old Ty Smalley, Stand for the Silent has reached more than 4.5 million students across 6,700 schools. The organization was started by Oklahoma students moved by Ty’s story and the advocacy of his parents, Kirk and Laura Smalley. Their mission: to educate, inspire, and prevent another life lost to bullying.
For Tylor Jackson, a Langston University graduate with a degree in public health, the mission of the organization aligns with her own story.
“Mental health has always been a big part for me, for myself. I have ADHD, so functioning is pretty different from other people,” she said. “But also, my best friend – she committed suicide last year. That had a big toll on me.”
That loss fueled her decision to join the movement.
“When I seen that this was a mix of nonprofit work and doing the outreach, I said, ‘Yeah, sign me up.’” When asked what they hope the organization can do for others, the response was heartfelt – and real.
“A lot of people tell us we can’t end bullying,” said Tylor. “But we know if we can prevent somebody from killing themselves or committing suicide, we know that’s one life that we have saved. So that’s what I’m in it for. Even if that meant standing outside in the heat for hours – it’s worth it.”
Jamyah echoed that hope but pointed out a bigger need for public involvement beyond just donations.
“Really go to our website and try to make a change,” she said. “Download the PDFs for the chapters, print them out, start a little community. Try to get us into the schools. You’d be surprised how many people come up to us and tell us their story. But I don’t really feel like it sticks. I literally had a lady tell me, ‘Well, I expect you guys to do that.’ And it’s like … how are we gonna get it out there if people don’t want to do their part?”
They’re not asking for applause. They’re asking people to care.
“Suicide is the second leading cause of death in our youth today,” said Tylor. “Which is insane. Because why is our youth even thinking about harming themselves at all?”
As she said that, I remembered a young man I once worked with – a brilliant, gifted teen we lost to suicide. His name, his laugh, his potential – gone. And he wasn’t the only one.
Tylor and Jamyah know that reality well.
“There are so many people who felt like that was the only way out,” Tylor said. “I also thought the same thing at one point.”
Her honesty stopped me cold. “You?” I asked.
“Yeah. I also battled that,” she said.
These young women don’t just represent a cause. They are the cause. They’ve lived it, they’ve survived it, and now they’re doing the work to make sure someone else can, too.
As Tylor said: “Even if it’s just one life, that’s worth it.”
Want to help? Visit www.standforthesilent.org to learn how to start a chapter, download resources, or make a donation. The organization offers free resources, videos, and stepby- step tools for students, educators and parents.
Do you have a story to share about survival, resilience or advocacy? Email Dawn Carter at dawn@cookson.news to help bring healing to others. Your words could save a life.
