Moms Demand Action or Gun Sense in America and Philadelphia Ceasefire: Black Women are Leading the Way
On February 29, 2024, Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America and Philadelphia CeaseFire made the most of this year’s bonus day with a truly inspiring program: Black Women Are Leading the Way: Gun Violence Prevention in Philadelphia. Moderated by Moms Demand Action’s Executive Director, Angela Ferrell-Zabala, there was a panel discussion featuring Marla Davis Bellamy, Director, Philadelphia Ceasefire, Chantay Love, Co-Founder and President EMIR (Every Murder Is Real) Healing Center, and Kedra Van de Water, Co-Founder and Co-CEO YEAH Philly.
Honored that evening were, along with the panelists, Rev. Jeanette Davis, Founder and President, D.I.V.A.S. Ministry Group Nonprofit Organization, Tahira Fortune, Founder, Voices By Choices, Debbie Fortune, Community Activist, Dr. Dorothy Johnson-Speight, Founder and National Executive Director Mothers in Charge, and McCleary, Founder Moms Bonded By Grief.
Together these women represent an indomitable spirit, strength and accomplishments against odds. When faced with the “deep ache” experienced by the loved ones of those lost to gun violence these women and those good souls who work with them choose to take positive action. I have often remarked that the women I have met through Souls Shot Portrait Project are not the types to take to their fainting couches. These mothers, grandmothers, sisters, aunts, friends, not only agree to invite us into their homes and to share in their intimate stories but many of them are activists beyond our project.
To be clear, women are not the root cause of the violence but seem to be taking the leadership role in looking for actual solutions. My hope is that these tireless women, and Souls Shot Portrait Project, will inspire everyone to look closely at the systemic causes of the violence and to take some action – get involved with one of these organizations or others with similar goals and VOTE for those who will lead us out of the violence.