In Columbus, Ohio, families grappling with the loss of loved ones to gun violence are rallying for change as homicide rates decline. With 939 people killed since 2019, advocates like Yolanda Drew and Terry Green share their personal losses—Drew has lost 15 students at Independence High School, while Green’s nephew was murdered in 2023—as motivation to create safer communities through initiatives like the “Guns D.O.W.N.” program aimed at mentoring at-risk youth.
Despite recent progress, including the establishment of the Office of Violence Prevention, Columbus awoke to a concerning mass shooting this Fourth of July, resulting in a teenager’s death. Advocates emphasize the importance of community healing, leveraging personal stories to drive efforts in addressing the roots of violence. These ongoing discussions are critical as organizations like Mothers of Murdered Columbus Children strive to support families affected by gun violence, turning personal grief into powerful advocacy for lasting change.
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