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      Welcome Message from Angela Ferrell-Zabala

      Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow: A Legacy of Black Gun Violence Prevention Advocacy

      Throughout history, Black Americans have made significant contributions to our country—whether it’s impacting elections or influencing the culture. Even while others try to erase these efforts, from generation to generation, Black communities maintain a long legacy of always helping to lead this country forward.

      That’s why Everytown for Gun Safety is committed to making sure we amplify and partner with the Black leaders who have helped shape and grow the Gun Violence Prevention Movement.

      The GVP Movement has made huge strides, particularly over the past 15 years. This is in large part thanks to the Black advocates who have been doing the work across movements for decades, as well as young Black leaders who are stepping up to protect our futures. These dynamic voices come from different sectors of life: Public office, arts and culture, business, and faith. Their collective efforts have helped to make our country safer—not just now, but for generations to come.

      This Black History Month, Everytown is excited to engage new and seasoned Black advocates in the GVP Movement and in cross movements. 

      Be sure to check out Everytown’s Black History Month web page and social media channels throughout the entire month of February!

      In solidarity,

      Angela Ferrell-Zabala,  executive director of Moms Demand Action

      Blog Posts

      Throughout Black History Month, Everytown is amplifying the voices of Black advocates across the country to talk about why they joined the gun violence prevention movement, and what gives them hope in this space. Check this page throughout the month to read stories from yesterday, today, and tomorrow’s gun violence prevention leaders.

      Moms Demand Action Volunteers

      Everytown Survivor Network Grantees

      Everytown Support Fund Domestic Violence Grantees

      Everytown Community Safety Fund Grantees

      Research

      Events

      Black History Month Healing Circle

      We gathered on February 22, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern time via Zoom for our Black History Month Healing Circle. We centered the conversation on “Resilience at a Cost” as we continue to fight toward equity and justice. In this space, we talked about how we are taking care of ourselves and each other. We also talked about how the impact of trauma affects Black people and how our allies can support Black people in this healing process in a meaningful way. This event was open to all.

      Healing Circle facilitators, from left: Stephanie Stone, Nakida McDaniel, Pastor Jackie Jackson

      Black History Month Students Summit

      Students Demand Action is proud to present a dynamic Black History Month summit via Zoom on February 29th at 7:30 p.m. ET / 6:30 p.m. CT. Join us for an inspiring exploration of pathways to leadership as young advocates in the gun violence prevention movement. Immerse yourself in the stories of students who are currently navigating the journey toward becoming influential organizers and leaders.

      This virtual summit will feature powerful insights from student voices who are actively shaping the movement, learning to leverage their personal narratives to drive meaningful change. Additionally, seasoned activists who have dedicated considerable time to the cause will share their experiences and be ready to pass the baton to the next generation of leaders.

      Beyond the Lens: A Participatory Photovoice Initiative by Young Black Leaders Inspired by Afrofuturism

      Everytown’s first photovoice project for Black History Month aims to bring Black youth together to learn about photovoice as a tool that blends photography and storytelling to help them envision a future where Black individuals thrive in safe and vibrant neighborhoods. This year’s project is inspired by Afrofuturism, a lens that offers to transcend existing limitations and which includes imagining and reimagining endless possibilities.

      VIew the photovoice reflections here

      Video Responses

      Black survivors, Moms Demand Action volunteers, and Everytown staff reflect on what gives them hope about where we have been and where we will go in the gun violence prevention movement. Check back throughout the month to view their responses.

      Social Graphics

      Police are nearly 3 times as likely to shoot and kill Black people in America than white people. EverytownResearch.org [Everytown Analysis of Mapping Police Violence, 2018–2022.]
      Firearms are the leading cause of death for Black children and teens. EverytownResearch.org [CDC, WONDER, Underlying Cause of Death, 2021. Ages 0-19; Non-Latinx Black]
      12x: Black people in America are 12 times more likely than white people to die by gun homicide. EverytownResearch.org [CDC, WONDER, Underlying Cause of Death. 2018–2021.]
      Every 6.5 hours, a Black boy or teenager is shot and killed in the United States. EverytownResearch.org [CDC, WONDER, Underlying Cause of Death. 2018–2021. Ages 0-19; Non-Latinx Black; Homicide includes Legal Intervention.]
      See how we marked Black History Month in 2023

      Did you know?

      Every day, more than 120 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, Underlying Cause of Death, 2018–2022; Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP) nonfatal firearm injury data, 2020; and SurveyUSA Market Research Study #26602, 2022.

      Last updated: 5.7.2024