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 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.
The 2023 Policymakers for Peace are:
County Commissioner Aaron “Adot” Whitley Chatham County, Georgia)
State Rep. Amos O’Neal Michigan
State Rep. Ana Maria Ramos
State Rep. Angie Nixon, Florida
State Rep. Armando Walle, Texas
State Rep. Brenda Carter, Michigan
State Sen. Charlane Oliver, Tennessee
Assemblymember Desmond Meeks, New York
State Sen. Erika Geiss, Michigan
Councilmember Fred Durhall III, Detroit, Michigan
U.S. Rep. Jamaal Bowman, New York
Councilmember James Torrence, Baltimore, Maryland
Councilmember Jared Williams City, Ft. Worth, Texas
State Rep. Jarvis Johnson, Texas
Assemblymember Jessica González-Rojas, New York
Alderwoman JoCasta Zamarripa, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Councilmember Jose Velásquez, Austin, Texas
State Rep. Keturah Herron, Kentucky
Attorney General Kwame Raoul, Illinois
U.S. Rep. Lauren Underwood, Illinois
City Council President Mary Sheffield, Detroit, Michigan
Mayor Melvin Carter, St. Paul, Minnesota
Councilmember Oliver Thomas, New Orleans, Louisiana
U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock, Georgia
Mayor Rita Ali, Peoria, Illinois
State Rep. Royce Duplessis, Louisiana
Mayor-President Sharon Weston-Broome, East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana
U.S. Rep. Silvia Garcia, Texas
State Rep. Stephanie Young, Michigan
County Commissioner Tanya Milton, Chatham County, Georgia
State Rep. Victoria Neave Criado, Texas
Governor Wes Moore, Maryland
“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 Illinois Congresswoman, Lauren Underwood.
"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 Lieutenant Governor of Maryland, Aruna Miller.
“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 New York Assemblymember, Jessica González-Rojas.
“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 Texas District Attorney, José Garza & Member of Policymakers for Peace 2022.
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Community Justice, a project of Tides Advocacy, is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization building power for and with communities of color to end gun violence.