PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) -- Although the holiday season is considered a joyful time of year, many tend to grieve the loss of loved ones. Activist Bilal Muhammad knows firsthand as he just experienced his second Christmas without his son. "A lot of empty chairs are placed round the dinner table yesterday on Christmas Day. The heart is broken because so much violence has taken place and it's painful. It’s painful. Families want to raise the children and want to grow up and see their children become successful. And there's so many families. I looked at it and a lot of hearts are in pain throughout the holidays," said Muhammad. In July of 2023, Muhammad's son tragically became a victim of gun violence. He was fatally shot in the Ocean View section of Norfolk. Muhammad reveals he was an ear witness to his son's death. "Will you please remove that gun out of my face? Will you please move that gun out of my face? I'm on the other line. I'm praying. Oh, God. Please, please, please don't pull the trigger. Please. And Pow," said Muhammad. Prior to his son's death, Muhammad has been advocating to stop violence for decades. He has sound advice to provide parents to help ensure their child's safety. "Please, please put a lot of time and attention with your children. Talk to your children. I don't care if they’re 25, 35, 45-years-old. Know where they’re going. Know who they are with," said Muhammad. Muhammad advises all individuals to be aware of their surroundings and to seek safer and beneficial resources, such as reading or sports. "Don't put yourself in a position where trouble can come your way. Sometimes trouble will come your way. But at the same time, don't look for it. So don't grab a weapon. Grab a book, grab a basketball, grab a baseball, grab a studio, grab the boys and girls club, where the young children can look up to you," said Muhammad. Muhammad also recommends the youth look to former NFL quarterback Michael Vick as he recently became Norfolk State's head football coach.