MILWAUKEE (SPECTRUM NEWS) — On April 30, 2014, Maria Hamilton’s life changed forever.

It’s been 2,225 days since Maria Hamilton’s son Dontre was shot 14 times and killed by Milwaukee police officer Christopher Manney. No charges were brought, but he was fired from the department.

“The most important thing that I am able to do is to listen to peoples pain and be supportive of that pain when its present,” says Maria Hamilton.

The world hasn’t changed enough for Hamilton, who founded 'Mothers for Justice United' and co-organized the Million Moms March that took place in Washington, DC.

"It’s more important to take my voice...to have conversations with people who went through what I went through and to help others that are dealing with trauma," said Hamilton.

Hamilton doesn’t remember much about the first 40 days following the loss of  her son, Dontre Hamilton. "I don’t remember a lot about that time because I was in shock and I kept telling myself it was a dream. I kind of secluded myself into a space into my brain that ended up turning into disassociation,” says Hamilton.

Hamilton credits counseling, meditation, yoga and protesting with helping her move forward.

Dontre’s Day is a legal holiday and community day that celebrates the life of Dontre Hamilton in the state of Wisconsin.For Hamilton, it’s also a reminder of the systemic racism she sees in police.

“We need to change the culture of policing across this nation. It isn't just Milwaukee.I understand the code of conduct, but you are all acting like gang members instead of protecting and serving,” says Hamilton.

Great words from a woman that knows all too well the pain that’s resonating throughout the state and country right now.