February 1-7 Marks Fourth Annual National Gun Violence Survivors Week; By Early February, More Americans are Killed With Guns Than are Killed in Other High-Income Countries in an Entire Year
On Thursday, Congresswoman Lucy McBath (D-GA) to Join Everytown for Virtual Conversation About Gun Violence in America
WASHINGTON – Everytown for Gun Safety Support Fund today marks the beginning of the fourth annual National Gun Violence Survivors Week, taking place February 1-7. By early February, more Americans are killed by gun violence than are killed in other high-income nations in an entire year. National Gun Violence Survivors Week seeks to share and amplify the stories of gun violence survivors who live every day with the agonizing and unending impact of gun violence.
“Gun violence changed my entire life, and I wouldn’t wish the anguish I felt after the deaths of my children on anyone,” said Crystal Turner, avolunteer with the Florida chapter of Moms Demand Action and member of the Everytown Survivor Network whose son and daughter were shot and killed by her daughter’s estranged husband in 2015. “Being part of a survivor community has meant so much to me as I continue to manage my grief and turn my pain into purpose. I’m proud to share my story this National Gun Violence Survivors Week — and to stand alongside survivors of the many forms of gun violence we see across this country. Their fortitude and perseverance gives me hope that we will, one day, reduce gun violence in our communities.”
“I know first hand that experiencing gun violence can leave enduring traumas on survivors, as well as their families and communities,” said Debbie Weir, Chief Mission Officer for Everytown for Gun Safety. “Survivors are the North Star of the gun violence prevention movement. This National Gun Violence Survivors Week, we acknowledge gun violence survivors’ traumatic experiences, revere their strength, and remain steadfastly committed to honoring them through action.”
“There is an expansive network of gun violence survivors across this country, and all of them have lived through something that no one should be forced to experience,” said Keenon James, a gun violence survivor and Senior Director of the Everytown Survivor Network. “National Gun Violence Survivors Week is a time for survivors to find strength in the collective power of our voices as we share our stories and work to reduce gun violence in our communities. To all those who have faced gun violence: we see you, we hear you, and we value you.”
Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action volunteers will be hosting over 60 virtual or in-person events and conversations during National Gun Violence Survivors Week. Additionally, on Thursday at 1:00pm EST, Everytown will be hosting a virtual conversation about gun violence in America, which will be livestreamed on Everytown’s Facebook and Twitter pages. Panelists for the conversation include:
- Congresswoman Lucy McBath (D-GA)
- Ryane Nickens, President of the TraRon Center in Washington, D.C.
- Sarah Burd-Sharps, Senior Director of Research for Everytown for Gun Safety Support Fund
- Reverend Dr. Lorenzo Neal, a member of the Everytown Survivor Network whose mother and nephew were victims of gun violence in 1980 and 2016 respectively
The centerpiece of National Gun Violence Survivors Week is Moments That Survive – a year-round digital storytelling platform on which people across the country share defining details of their gun violence experiences, in their own words. Moments That Survive builds community among gun violence survivors and helps the public understand how everyday life changes as a result of gun violence. Survivors, elected officials, members of the Everytown Athletic Council, and partner organizations across the country will also share their stories via social media throughout the week using #GVSurvivorsWeek.
February also marks the start of Black History Month. Black people in the United States are disproportionately affected by gun violence, experiencing 10 times the gun homicides, rising rates of gun suicide, and nearly 3 times the fatal police shootings of white Americans. Gun violence also creates ripple effects throughout Black communities, traumatizing Black children, adolescents, and adults, whether from direct or indirect exposure.
