Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson announced Thursday at Lou Gehrig Plaza that June will be considered Gun Violence Awareness Month.
In order to combat the high crime rates in the Bronx, Borough President Gibson announced the launch of Gun Violence Awareness Month to highlight and inform the community how increasing investments in youth programs, focusing on gun violence prevention, are crucial and implemented.
Held under this year’s campaign themes, “Community Over Violence” and “Choose Peace. Choose Purpose. Choose Life,” the event was emceed by Pastor Jay Gooding, Sr., a Bronx clergy member and anti-violence advocate with Stand Up to Violence, whose work continues to support violence prevention and youth engagement efforts throughout the borough.
“Too many families in the Bronx have experienced the heartbreak of losing a loved one to gun violence and every one of those losses leaves a lasting impact on our communities,” said Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson.
Gibson explained that jobs are a key factor in aiding in prevention, she noted the youth job fair following the press conference at Borough Hall from 10am to 1pm.
Those who joined Borough President Gibson shared the successes of their organizations thus far and emphasized this success should be maintained through continued investment and prevention.
“Gun violence prevention starts with investing in our young people and creating opportunities that help them thrive. We must continue expanding access to summer jobs, workforce development programs, mentorship, and mental health resources that keep youth engaged and connected to their communities,” said New York City Council Member Althea Stevens.
Bronx District Attorney, Darcel Clark encouraged for community members to aid in the increasing investment for gun violence prevention. “We must continue to call on our elected officials here in the city and in Albany to provide us with the resources we need to continue to reach out to our young people with employment and recreational opportunities.”
“I have been saying for a long time now that we are losing a generation of our young people to gun violence either as victims or through incarceration,” she said.
All local officials made clear that despite this being a longtime issue, public safety is a top priority. In addition, despite June now being recognized as Gun Violence awareness month, these prevention efforts, in addition to other youth services, will continue throughout the summer and expectedly year round.
“We are keenly aware of gun violence, but we must prevent it. Events like this one give us the opportunity to bring the youth and their parents together to let them know that the path of guns and violence is one that you must never go down,” Clark said.
