Recognizing June 2025 as Gun Violence Awareness Month and Honoring Local Leaders and Victims
WHEREAS, gun violence remains a devastating national crisis , shattering families, destabilizing communities, and placing an immense, lasting burden on public health, safety, and collective healing; and
WHEREAS, the City of Richmond has made measurable progress in reducing gun-related homicides, recently reaching a record low homicide rate, demonstrating the power of community-led solutions and public investment; and
WHEREAS, despite these gains, even one life lost is too many, and when one family suffers, our Richmond suffers; and
WHEREAS, June is nationally recognized as Gun Violence Awareness Month, a time to reflect, mourn, organize, and act; and
WHEREAS, the City of Richmond honors the unwavering work of Office of Neighborhood Safety, Faith in Action East Bay, Keyz2theFuture, Moms Demand Action, Contra Costa Chapter, Silence the Violence, Richmond Police Department and the RYSE Center, each of whom play a critical role in intervention, advocacy, justice and healing; and
WHEREAS, we also uplift the digital platform Gone but Never Forgotten, which continues to preserve the memories of Richmond victims and spread public awareness through social media storytelling and community solidarity; and WHEREAS, we remember Maciyah Brown, a radiant, talented, and expecting mother whose life and the life of her unborn child were taken in June 2024, and Joseph Alexander II, a hardworking young father who was tragically killed in April 2018. Neither Maciyah nor Joseph will have the chance to watch their children grow, a future full of love, joy, and milestones stolen by senseless violence; and
WHEREAS, we honor their memories, we also acknowledge that their losses are part of a much larger pain, one shared by many Richmond families who continue to endure the daily grief of lives taken too soon.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED, I, Mayor Eduardo Martinez, hereby recognizes June 2025 as Gun Violence Awareness Month, and extends its deep gratitude and recognition to the organizations, victims, their families, and platforms dedicated to end gun violence and build a safer Richmond for all.
___________________________ ______________________________ Mayor Eduardo Martinez Councilmember Jamelia Brown City of Richmond District 1 June 3, 2025