Hear from gun violence survivors and family members who, living with lifelong trauma, have become advocates for healing and change. Then join in collaborative reflection focusing on how to move forward together in working to prevent gun violence and valuing every life.

A resource fair will take place as part of the forum, beginning at 4:30 pm. Students in Mighty Writers’ Teen Scholars group will open the event with readings from their original Anti-Violence booklet, containing writings about how gun violence has affected their communities.

At 5:30 pm, the panel will discuss the impacts of grief in communities, systemic issues of inequity and racial injustice that perpetuate gun violence, and safe spaces and projects for healing.

Panelists include Roz Pichardo, founder of Operation Save Our City; Terrez McCleary, co-founder of 2 Moms Bonded by Grief; and Julia Mallory, author of the poetry and essay collection SURVIVOR'S GUILT. The panel will be moderated by Aja Beech, a freelance journalist who serves on the board of the Trauma Survivors Foundation.

Content Warning: This is a forum on gun violence. There will not be a therapy tent, designated social workers, or therapists at this event. We encourage participants, especially participants who have experiences of gun violence, to engage in ways that do not feel depleting, re-traumatizing, or triggering.

Image courtesy of Operation Save Our City.