Bronx anti-gun violence group B.R.A.G. receives citywide honors

B.R.A.G.
Jeremy Molina (left), director of B.R.A.G., received citywide recognition at the 15th annual NYC Peace Week ceremony earlier this month. Senior VP David Caba (right) also accepted a proclamation from Borough President Vanessa Gibson on behalf of the organization.
Photo courtesy B.R.A.G.

Jeremy Molina, director of Bronx Rises Against Gun Violence (B.R.A.G.), was recently honored at the 15th annual New York City Peace Week ceremony, hosted by Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine. 

Molina has spent 10 years with B.R.A.G., a violence-interrupting organization that he said hires “individuals from the community who know about the community.” At a Jan. 22 ceremony, he was presented with a certificate of appreciation from Levine, and his organization received a proclamation from Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson.

Despite the hectic political climate in New York City and elsewhere, “It’s business as usual for us,” Molina said. 

B.R.A.G.’s “boots on the ground” approach has not wavered or seen decreasing demand for services, even as the organization came under scandal when its former director, Michael Rodriguez, was sentenced in January 2024 to 10 years in prison for narcotics and conspiracy charges, including possession of two unlicensed guns. 

B.R.A.G.’s wide variety of services — which includes on-the-street violence interrupting, shooting response vigils, community BBQs, therapeutic mentoring, conflict mediation, vocational training and more — has been lauded by elected officials and awarded city funds many times over. Molina said while the local support is much appreciated, “This is more of a lifestyle. We do this work not to get recognized.” 

Though funding is currently tight, Molina said B.R.A.G. is stronger than ever. The organization is fully staffed for probably the first time in the organization’s history, including a dedicated social worker, allowing the group to “give our full potential” to the community.

B.R.A.G. operates in the 46th, 47th and 52nd precincts (University Heights/Morris Heights, Wakefield and Fordham/Belmont) and posts events and services on their Instagram account. 

For Molina and others, the work they were recently honored for is a major aspect of their personal identity. “We promote peace on the daily.”


Reach Emily Swanson at eswanson@schnepsmedia.com or (646) 717-0015. For more coverage, follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram @bronxtimes