The epidemic of gun violence is pervasive, unnecessary, and continues to wreak havoc upon our communities and across our nation while Republicans in state governments and Congress continue to allow the deadly status quo to prevail. Last week, I was honored to be invited by the White House to attend a national Gun Violence Prevention Convening, where I represented Wisconsin and met with leaders from across the country who are all actively engaged in the effort to end gun violence.
At the Convening, I had the chance to hear and share stories, discuss the implementation of common sense gun reforms that the Obama Administration announced earlier this year, and engage in meaningful conversation about future progress. Meeting with other officials who have dedicated their work to ending gun violence reenergized me to return to Milwaukee with a renewed sense of conviction to the cause.
It may seem like I talk about this issue all the time. While this may be frustrating to some, I find it even more frustrating that as violence persists, Republican lawmakers continue to ignore the issue and the victims of this senseless violence.
Each time I have the opportunity to write or speak about gun violence, it seems that there is a new tragic story to tell. Earlier this month a 9-year-old girl was fatally shot in Milwaukee when a stray bullet pierced her house and flew into the living room where she was watching TV. Za’layia Jenkins’ death occurred just days after she asked Milwaukee Police Department officers in her neighborhood if they would keep her safe.
This tragedy should not have to be a catalyst for us all to take greater responsibility for the safety and security of our neighborhoods. Our country and our communities are long overdue for a closer look at reforming gun laws. How many more children will die in their own homes, how many more young black men will become statistics, how many lives will be lost every day due to gun violence before we can change the system? As we approach the warmer, and historically more violent months of the year, I look forward to continuing a dialogue about gun violence and the ways legislators, police departments, and community members are working together to address the issue.
When Joe Biden addressed the group last Tuesday, he told us things can change, we just can’t give up. The vice president is right: we cannot give up this fight. Too many lives are at stake. I will continue to advocate for bereaved families, for children who want to play on safer streets, and for our communities to be safer, more secure, and free of gun violence.
