Mayor Johnson Sits with Community Advocates to Discuss Gun Violence Prevention
Milwaukee – Mayor Cavalier Johnson engaged in a crucial conversation with a group of dedicated women who are strong advocates for community safety. The primary focus was on the pressing issue of gun violence prevention and its significant impact on the community. The round table discussion emphasized the urgent need for change on all levels, particularly within the government.
During the meeting, Susan Schmidt, who tragically lost her brother to gun violence in Milwaukee in 2005, expressed the heartfelt sentiment that people need to understand the broad-reaching implications of gun violence. My heart was broken, and it was senseless, Schmidt shared. In honor of her late brother, Schmidt now runs a non-profit organization called the Scooter Foundation and passionately advocates for gun violence prevention.
We need background checks; we need safe gun laws. It shouldn’t be easier to get a gun than a driver’s license, Schmidt asserted, highlighting the need for responsible gun control measures.
Mayor Johnson praised the bravery of each advocate in sharing their personal stories of loss and hardship. I appreciate each of you having the courage to take your trials and tribulations, the loss that you experienced in your own families and to tell those stories, he expressed sincerely.
Colette Shumpert, another participant in the discussion, recounted the heartbreaking experience of receiving the dreaded phone call that no parent should ever receive. I got that phone call that my son Michael had been shot. He was not killed right away; he died of his wounds the next day. And it changed my life, Shumpert shared, highlighting the devastating long-term effects of gun violence.
Throughout the dialogue, the group exchanged personal anecdotes, posed questions to Mayor Johnson, and examined their concerns for the community’s safety. They collectively agreed that gun violence represents a public health crisis that should transcend political divisions.
Gun violence shouldn’t have anything to do with politics. It is a matter of public safety, Schmidt passionately stated, emphasizing the need for bipartisan collaboration to address the issue effectively.
Shumpert echoed this sentiment by expressing her desire to witness unlikely alliances forming. She firmly believes that genuine progress in combating gun violence can only be made through the cooperation of all parties involved. That is where I am putting my hope, Shumpert asserted optimistically.
The productive and heartfelt conversation shed light on the urgent need for comprehensive measures to prevent gun violence. Mayor Johnson and the community advocates agreed that safeguarding communities requires a united effort from various stakeholders, including government agencies, non-profit organizations, and community members.
By working together, they aim to create a safer environment in which gun violence is minimized, and citizens can live without fear. The discussion serves as a crucial step towards effecting change and ensuring that the devastating impact of gun violence is no longer ignored.
Efforts to prevent gun violence are ongoing, as the community strives to create lasting change and prioritize the safety and well-being of its residents. As the conversation continues, the shared dedication and determination of Mayor Johnson and the community advocates serve as a beacon of hope, inspiring others to join the cause and work towards a future free of gun violence.
Gun violence prevention remains at the forefront of their collective mission, and they urge all individuals, regardless of political affiliation or background, to come together and support necessary reforms that prioritize community safety. Only through unity and a collective commitment can the community move closer to achieving its goal of reducing gun violence and building a safer future for all.
Note: This article contains contributions from CBS 58.
