Third Annual National Gun Violence Survivors Week Takes Place from February 1-7
In advance of the third Annual National Gun Violence Survivors Week, from February 1-7, PEOPLE Magazine today released People Features: Gun Violence Survivor Athletes, a virtual roundtable discussion in partnership with Everytown for Gun Safety Support Fund, exploring athletes’ personal experiences with gun violence. Hosted by PEOPLE Magazine reporter Elaine Aradillas, the panel features members of the Everytown Athletic Council, including: Devereaux Peters, retired Minnesota Lynx player and co-founder of the Everytown Athletic Council; Stedman Bailey, retired L.A. Rams player; DeAndre’ Bembry of the Toronto Raptors; and Diontae Spencer of the Denver Broncos.
National Gun Violence Survivors Week focuses on sharing and amplifying the stories of gun violence survivors who live with the impact of gun violence every day of the year. By early February, more people are killed with guns in the United States than are killed with guns in other high-income countries in an entire year. Millions more are shot and wounded, threatened with a gun, or witness an act of gun violence. In total, 58 percent of American adults or someone they care for have personally experienced gun violence in their lifetimes.
In addition to the stories featured in the Gun Violence Survivor Athletes discussion, hundreds more stories representing just a fraction of gun violence in America can be found on 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.
The full discussion can be viewed by clicking here, and is streaming now on PeopleTV.com. The story of Gun Violence Survivor Athletes is also featured in the print edition of PEOPLE Magazine, on newsstands now.
If you’re interested in connecting with survivors of gun violence in advance of this critical week, please don’t hesitate to reach out.