Community Justice Unveils 2023 Policymakers For Peace, A National Nonpartisan Network Dedicated to Ending Gun Violence In Communities of Color
For Immediate Release
December 4, 2023
Contacts: CJAF@skdknick.com
Community Justice Unveils 2023 Policymakers For Peace, A National Nonpartisan
Network Dedicated to Ending Gun Violence In Communities of Color
Washington, D.C. – Today, Community Justice unveiled the 2023 Class of Policymakers For Peace, a nonpartisan, national network of state and local Black and brown elected officials dedicated to transformative policy efforts in gun violence prevention, particularly in communities of color disproportionately affected by this epidemic. These policymakers are set to lead the charge in reshaping the dialogue around gun violence prevention, advocating for community violence intervention (CVI) programs and spotlighting solutions that center those closest to the pain of everyday gun violence.
“From the halls of Congress in Washington to state Capitols and City Halls nationwide, the 2023 Policymakers for Peace class is spearheading efforts to curb gun violence in communities of color,” said Amber Goodwin, founder of Community Justice. “Gun violence is not just a crime issue; it’s a public health crisis that requires a whole-of-government public health response. Our work with these dedicated policymakers is rooted in a deep, shared commitment to reduce gun violence in the communities we serve. Together, by organizing neighbors, fostering coalitions and advocating for data-proven, effective community support we can cultivate safe communities free from the fear of gun violence.”
Since 2020, Community Justice’s Policymakers for Peace has been instrumental in connecting elected officials with frontline and grassroots gun violence prevention and CVI organizations, forging a powerful network of informed and empowered leaders united in their commitment to enact and implement crucial gun violence prevention solutions. In the coming year, members of the 2023 Policymakers for Peace class will collaborate within this robust network on opportunities to engage communities across the country in training, learning, and planning toward ending gun violence.
Governor Wes Moore, Maryland
Lt. Governor Aruna Miller, Maryland
Attorney General Kwame Raoul, Illinois
US Senator Raphael Warnock, Georgia
US Representative Jamaal Bowman (D-16), New York
US Representative Sylvia Garcia (D-29) Texas
US Representative Lauren Underwood (D-14), Illinois
State Senator Erika Geiss (D-1), Michigan
State Senator Charlane Oliver (D-19), Tennessee
State Representative Brenda Carter (D-53), Michigan
State Representative Royce Duplessis (D-5), Louisiana
Assemblymember Jessica González-Rojas (D-34), New York
State Representative Keturah Herron (D-42), Kentucky
State Representative Jarvis Johnson (D-139), Texas
Assemblymember Demond Meeks (D-137), New York
State Representative Victoria Neave Criado (D-107), Texas
State Representative Angie Nixon (D-13), Florida
State Representative Amos O’Neal (D-94), Michigan
State Representative Ana Maria Ramos (D-102), Texas
State Representative Armando Walle (D-140), Texas
State Representative Stephanie Young (D-16), Michigan
Mayor Rita Ali, Peoria, Illinois
Mayor Melvin Carter, St. Paul, Minnesota
Mayor-President Sharon Weston-Broome, East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana
County Commissioner Tanya Milton (D-5), Chatham County, Georgia
County Commissioner Aaron “Adot” Whitely (D-6) Chatham County, Georgia
City Council President Mary Sheffield (D-5), Detroit, Michigan
Councilmember Fred Durhal III (D-7), Detroit, Michigan
Councilmember Oliver Thomas (D-E), New Orleans, Louisiana
Councilmember Jared Williams City (D-6), Ft. Worth, Texas
Councilmember Jose Velásquez (D-3), Austin, Texas
Alderwoman JoCasta Zamarripa (D-8), Milwaukee, Wisconsin
”Gun violence continues to plague our country in irrevocable ways, and that it is our duty to do everything in our power to reduce the violence we are seeing in our communities,” said Maryland Governor Wes Moore. “As the Governor of Maryland, one of my chief responsibilities is to ensure the safety of our citizens, and that mission is greatly aided by the many community leaders, advocates, and organizations like Policymakers for Peace that we are fortunate to have as a part of this process. As long as I am the Governor of Maryland, we will continue to lead on the forefront of this issue because that is what every Marylander deserves.”
"Gun violence is the leading cause of death for children in the United States, and in Maryland, two people die of gun violence every day. The gun violence epidemic is an enormous threat to the health and safety of future generations — and for all of our communities — and it requires urgent and substantial action. Under the Moore-Miller administration, Maryland will continue to be a leader in implementing common sense gun control solutions. I am beyond grateful for the partnership of Policymakers for Peace and their willingness to tackle gun violence from every angle,” said Maryland Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller.
“It’s an honor to be recognized as a Community Justice Policymaker for Peace. The Policymakers for Peace network does important work to center the communities that are directly affected by gun violence and bring about meaningful change to save lives. Everyone deserves to feel safe in their community. I’ll keep fighting to pass common-sense solutions to end our country’s devastating gun violence crisis,” said Congresswoman Lauren Underwood (IL-14).
“Community violence, particularly gun violence, is an ongoing public health crisis that disproportionately impacts low-income communities of color like the ones I represent in Queens. I’m passionate about fighting for evidence-based policy solutions to our gun violence epidemic here in New York and am so proud that, working alongside impacted communities and advocates, my gun violence prevention bill was signed into law earlier this fall. Linking community violence prevention services to Medicaid will make the provision of services more sustainable and provide a long-term strategy to curbing gun violence on our streets,” said NY Assemblymember Jessica González-Rojas (AD-34).
“If we are serious about preventing gun violence in our community, we must invest in prevention, intervention, and accountability for people who commit acts of gun violence. This includes collaborating with community-based programs led by people in communities most impacted by violence,” said Travis County District Attorney José Garza (Policymakers for Peace c/o ‘22).
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