Gun Violence Prevention and Community Safety

Spoke about Juneteenth history and community recognition.

Asked why grassroots anti-violence organizations struggle to receive city funding and called for officials to engage directly on the front lines.

Asked how local youth programs like Hooked on Fishing, Not on Violence can obtain structural and financial support from the city.

Shared a heartbreaking testimony about her nine-year-old niece who was killed in a hit-and-run while riding her bike with her hospitalized father.

Highlighted safety issues at apartment pools and city parks involving armed youth groups.

Shared a personal account of being assaulted and held at gunpoint by a group of youths at a local park.

Discussed collaborative efforts between the school district safety office and community partners to address youth violence.

Thanked the council for recognizing Self-Awareness and Recovery and emphasized the importance of trauma-informed violence prevention.