Skip to content

      Welcome Message From Angela Ferrell-Zabala

      Survivors and Trailblazers: Leading the Fight Against Gun Violence

      This year, we are proud to celebrate the theme: Survivors and Trailblazers: Leading the Fight Against Gun Violence.

      For generations, systemic racism has left Black communities bearing the brunt of America’s gun violence crisis. Our communities are left to endure the long-lasting impacts of trauma, cyclical violence, and systemic underinvestment. This reality demands both acknowledgement and action. Black History Month is a time for our movement to honor the remarkable leaders who have turned their pain into purpose. These leaders have broken barriers to create safer, more equitable communities. As we reflect on their stories, we are reminded of the resilience, strength, and unity that propel our movement forward. 

      Our guiding principles for this month are clear:

      • Celebrating Leadership: We amplify the voices of leaders in Black communities,  especially those who have been directly impacted by gun violence.
      • Building Solidarity: We unite as advocates and survivors to show that collective action and a shared vision are key to driving change.
      • Empowering Communities: We support grassroots efforts and healing initiatives that strengthen community-driven solutions to end gun violence.

      I invite you to explore the stories, resources, and calls to action featured on this page. We’ll be sharing updates here throughout the month, so be sure to check back in.

      Together, let’s celebrate the trailblazers who lead this fight and be united in our commitment to ending gun violence.

      In solidarity,

      Angela Ferrell-Zabala

      Executive Director of Moms Demand Action

      Blog Posts

      Gun violence is not just a public safety issue—it is a civil rights issue. Everytown acknowledges the deep connections between systemic inequality, racial justice, and gun violence. Our theme for Black History Month 2025 reminds us that the fight for freedom and equality must include the work to protect lives and build safe, thriving communities.

      This February, we are:

      1. Honoring the leadership and efforts of those on the frontlines of the gun violence prevention movement, especially within Black communities disproportionately impacted by gun violence;
      2. Highlighting the collective strength of survivors and leaders, emphasizing that this movement thrives on collaboration and shared vision; and
      3. Elevating the importance of grassroots organizing, collective healing, and community-led solutions.

      Read stories from survivors and trailblazers in the gun violence prevention movement

      More 2025 stories coming soon—check back throughout February!

      Read more stories from Black voices in the movement

      Research

      Events

      Intergenerational Trauma

      We invite everyone to join us for Intergenerational Trauma in the Black Community, a powerful call on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, at 8:00 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT. We will discuss how gun violence plays a role in the Black community.

      Register on Zoom for the February 26 Intergenerational Trauma Call

      Healing Circle

      Everyone is welcome to attend this virtual healing space, which will focus on Roots of Resilience: Honoring Ancestral Wisdom and Collective Healing. The purpose of this healing circle is to provide a safe, supportive space for everyone to come together to share their ancestral prowess and stories, reflect on their experiences, and heal in a compassionate and non-judgmental environment. We always begin our circles with circle agreements that allow us to give and receive the highest levels of love, compassion, wisdom, and strength that are present in this space.

      The virtual healing circle will be held on Thursday, February 27, 2025, at 5 p.m. ET / 2 p.m. PT.

      Please bring a candle to the circle. We will use the candle for an ending ceremony that will ground us all in unity.

      Register on Zoom for the February 27 Virtual Healing Circle

      Share Your Story

      Are you a Black survivor or trailblazer in the gun violence prevention movement? We want to hear from you!

      Use the link below to record your video. Tell us why you are a trailblazer, or elevate another survivor or trailblazer you want people to know about Black History Month.

      Share your story

      Social Graphics

      3x: Police are nearly 3 times as likely to shoot and kill Black people in America than white people. [source] EverytownResearch.org. Everytown Analysis of Mapping Police Violence, 2019-2023.
      Every 6.5 hours, a Black boy or teenager is shot and killed in the United States. [source] EverytownResearch.org. CDC, WONDER, Underlying Cause of Death. 2019-2023. Ages 0-19; Non-Latinx Black; Homicide includes Legal Intervention.
      Firearms are the leading cause of death for Black children and teens. [source] EverytownResearch.org. CDC, WONDER, Underlying Cause of Death, 2023. Ages 0-19; Non-Latinx Black.
      12x: Black people in America are more than 12 times more likely than white people to die by gun homicide. [source] EverytownResearch.org. CDC, WONDER, Underlying Cause of Death. 2019-2023.

      Did you know?

      Every day, 125 people in the United States are killed with guns, twice as many are shot and wounded, and countless others are impacted by acts of gun violence.

      Everytown Research analysis of CDC, WONDER, Provisional Mortality Statistics, Multiple Cause of Death, 2019–2023; Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project nonfatal firearm injury data, 2020; and SurveyUSA, Market Research Study #26602, 2022.

      Last updated: 11.8.2024