Houston Ethnic Media recently hosted a diverse panel of Houston community leaders, activists, healthcare professionals, law enforcement officers, educators, and students to confront the escalating crisis of gun violence.
Here are some key take-aways from each panelist participant.
- Dr. Bindi Naik-Mathuria, Chief of Pediatric Surgery, UTMB shared harrowing statistics and personal experiences with gun violence victims: “It’s a leading cause of death now in children. More children in the US are killed by guns than they are by cars, ever since 2020. That’s just shocking. I never thought I would see that day.”
- Emilee Whitehurst, Executive Director, Houston Area Women’s Center articulated the dangerous correlation between domestic violence and firearms: “One of the most important questions that we ask is if there is a gun in the home. Have you been threatened with a gun? Because we know that if a gun is in the mix, the lethality rate for that individual could go up about five times.”
- Saami Baig, March for our Lives, high school student voiced the fears and frustrations of his generation: “It’s become normal to read these headlines about kids getting shot… but this is not normal.”
- Jasir Rahman, Junior, Rice University, Houston coordinator for Brady United criticized the legislative inaction on gun control: “What’s radical is when one in five people… knows somebody who has died or has been shot by a gun, and yet we still don’t have universal background checks.”
- Raul Collins, Senior Police Officer, Houston Police Department Office of Community Affairs shared insights from his personal journey and professional experience: “I grew up in a house in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, one of the four kids, and that kind of violence, it does change you, but sometimes it helps you find your purpose. It won’t stop you like it’s motivating our purpose.”
- Terry Bryan, Co-Director, Crisis Management, College of Biblical Studies spoke about the efforts to maintain safety while fostering a positive learning environment: “We prioritize creating a campus environment in which people are safe and feel safe from physical harm.”
Acting against the current gun violence crisis requires a collective effort and commitment from individuals, communities, and lawmakers. Every day, lives are shattered, families torn apart, and communities devastated by gun violence. From senseless acts of mass shootings to the daily toll of urban violence, the impact of guns on our society is undeniable.
Here’s how you can make a difference:
Advocate for Change: Contact your elected representatives and urge them to support common-sense gun laws, including universal background checks, closing loopholes, and banning assault weapons and high-capacity magazines.
Promote Gun Safety: If you own firearms, ensure they are stored securely and responsibly.
Support Victims and Survivors: Reach out to organizations that provide support services to victims of gun violence and their families.
Engage Your Community: Organize or participate in community events, discussions, and initiatives aimed at addressing the root causes of gun violence, such as poverty, mental health issues, and lack of opportunity.
Raise Awareness: Use your voice and platforms to raise awareness about the impact of gun violence and the need for action.
Vote Responsibly: Exercise your right to vote and support candidates who prioritize gun violence prevention and are committed to enacting policies that save lives.
Together, we can make a difference and save lives. ~Kim Floyd
