February Is Black History Month
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:
- 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;
- Highlighting the collective strength of survivors and leaders, emphasizing that this movement thrives on collaboration and shared vision; and
- Elevating the importance of grassroots organizing, collective healing, and community-led solutions.
Read stories from survivors and trailblazers in the gun violence prevention 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.
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.
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.
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Closing Message From Morandon Henry

As Black History Month comes to a close, our commitment to building safer communities remains as urgent as ever.
During Black History Month 2025, we celebrated the survivors and trailblazers leading the fight against gun violence. Honoring Black history means not just reflecting on the past but actively shaping a future where our communities are free from gun violence. But the work of celebrating leadership, building solidarity, and empowering communities should not end in February. It’s a year-round movement that requires all of us to stay engaged.
Here’s how you can take action:
- Stay Connected: Stay informed to become part of the solution. Sign up for communications from the Everytown Support Fund.
- Get Involved: Join local gun violence prevention initiatives and show up for communities who are most impacted.
- Use Your Voice: Call on public officials to prioritize gun safety policies that protect Black lives.
- Support Survivors of Gun Violence: Uplift the voices of those directly impacted and advocate for aid that will bring healing and prevention.
- Are you a survivor of gun violence? Join the Everytown Survivor Network, a nationwide community of survivors working to end gun violence.
As a Black man, I know firsthand that our fight for justice and safety is deeply personal. But we are not powerless, we are not voiceless, and we are certainly not done. Let’s take this momentum beyond February and continue working toward lasting change.
Standing together,
Morandon Henry
National Partnerships Associate, Everytown for Gun Safety