By: Nia Scott-Greenwood November 2, 2018
This is NOT just another gun violence story. In the past year, I have lost 3 close relatives due to gun violence. All 3 deaths occurred only 4 months apart from the last. Gun violence has been a prominent issue in our area, and now for me it has become personal. Innocent lives are being taken away from families that do not deserve it.
In 2018, I lost 3 close relatives due to gun violence. Most recently, I lost a cousin that I was very close to. He was shot in the chest in North Philadelphia on Saturday, October 6th. In 2018 alone, there have been over 12,000 deaths in the U.S. alone due to gun violence. Gun violence affects everyone in our community causing people to have to live their lives cautiously unknowing of what may happen to them. Most victims of gun violence don’t even know that they will soon be shot and maybe even killed. Families are mourning loss after loss. From candle light vigils to funeral services, families are fighting for justice and the remembrance of their lost loved ones.
There are many families that have experienced the same pain and grief as my family does now. Gun violence has taken the lives of over 12,000 people in 2018 alone, leaving thousands of families distraught. With one of the highest crime rates in America, Philadelphians continue to fight for change. Kendra Brooks, a resident of Nicetown Philadelphia, has organized weekly meetings to try and prevent this horrific gun violence through prayer while also speaking up on the issue. Mothers have to worry everyday about is their child going to be safe on their way to school. Many parents are scared that they’re child may be next.
There is currently no exact reason for the amount of gun violence in our community. People are choosing to take others lives without any remorse. How much more killing can we take? When will it all stop? For so long, we have been struggling to raise full awareness on the gun violence issue not just locally but nationally. We have to come together and not try to end but at least decrease the amount of violent interactions using guns and other weapons.