By: Bonnie Whittaker https://everytownsupportfund.org/
I have been involved with Moms Demand Action since my 18-year-old granddaughter, TiKiya Allen, was killed by a drive-by shooter. She was a first-year nursing student at Oakland University, and she was on a mission to become an anesthesiology nurse. And she should still be here to be the positive and productive citizen of this country that she was striving to become.
This movement was just what I needed to get me going forward with my mission to preserve the lives of our youth. From volunteering to testifying at the State Capitol, I have been able to transform my grief into action—that’s how I honor TiKiya and other victims of gun violence. I am very passionate about stopping the senseless loss of our young people to senseless gun violence; it is taking our country’s future.
Gun violence is devastating, but I have hope. The policy changes and legislation recently passed by the Biden Administration give me hope that we are turning the corner in this country. These actions are changing first how we recognize the problem of gun violence, and then how we take action to address the epidemic that has for so long been taking the lives of Black people in general, and our youth in particular.
I am also inspired by the various ways that people have worked to address gun violence. Of course, I truly admire Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his work on this crisis, but I also think Mrs. Coretta Scott King was a great example of the powerful presence of Black women in the fight for peace and freedom from violence. It truly takes a village and everyone’s ideas to move closer to a solution—together is how we achieve real and meaningful change.
I’ve seen that as a member of a Moms Demand Action Black Caucus group, where it has been very helpful and encouraging to listen to the stories of others and take away a new tactic or idea to continue my own advocacy. I look forward to the opportunity I have to advance Moms Demand Action in the Black community.
Gun violence prevention work is hard work, and it is a marathon, not a sprint. I have to tell myself this every day. And when I share my story with others, I let listeners know that we must continue to raise our voices and to stay the course in this battle against senseless gun violence. Because if we don’t, who will?
Every day, more than 120 people in the United States are killed with guns, twice as many are shot and wounded, and countless others are impacted by acts of gun violence.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Health Statistics. WONDER Online Database, Underlying Cause of Death. A yearly average was developed using four years of the most recent available data: 2018 to 2021. Last updated: 2.13.2023
Bonnie Whittaker is a volunteer with the Michigan chapter of Moms Demand Action.
Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow: A Legacy of Black Gun Violence Prevention Advocacy
Throughout history, Black Americans have made significant contributions to our country—whether it’s impacting elections or influencing the culture. Even while others try to erase these efforts, from generation to generation, Black communities maintain a long legacy of always helping to lead this country forward. That’s why Everytown for Gun Safety is committed to making sure we amplify and partner with the Black leaders who have helped shape and grow the Gun Violence Prevention Movement.
The GVP Movement has made huge strides, particularly over the past 15 years. This is in large part thanks to the Black advocates who have been doing the work across movements for decades, as well as young Black leaders who are stepping up to protect our futures. These dynamic voices come from different sectors of life: Public office, arts and culture, business, and faith. Their collective efforts have helped to make our country safer—not just now, but for generations to come.
