Empowering Youth, Preventing Violence: Yonkers Forum Tackles Gun Violence Head-On
Article by: Athena Dent-Alleyne – Photography: Mitzi Walker
The Joseph Gabriel Foundation, in partnership with Yonkers YWCA and the YMCA SNUG Anti-Gun Violence Unit, recently hosted a Youth Violence Prevention Forum focused on addressing the growing impact of gun violence on young people and communities. The event brought together youth, community leaders, educators, law enforcement representatives, advocates, and residents for an important conversation on prevention, intervention, mentorship, and creating safer neighborhoods for future generations.
The month of June represents various causes, and one of them is National Gun Violence Awareness Month.
For decades, the YWCA of Yonkers has been one of the main organizations in Westchester County at the Forefront of Community Advocacy against gun violence!!
On Saturday June 6th, the YWCA collaborated with Yonkers Arts to bring forth this artistic and informative event.
The MC & Organizer, Michelle Gabriel, is also a Principal in Yonkers Public Schools, and she reminded everyone at the event,
“All over the world, young people are really caught in the gap of gun violence, and we need to come together as a community. No matter what color or race, because a bullet has no color. It can be aimed at anyone”.
Yonkers City Councilwoman Tasha Diaz spoke about her personal experience with gun violence. The free event included music (live music by The School of Rock), a dynamic panel discussion featuring nine community leaders, law enforcement, and community groups that offered instructional materials and food. 12 News‘ Carol Wilkinson kindly covered the event.
Organizers emphasized that ending gun violence requires a collective community effort that includes families, schools, faith-based organizations, law enforcement, and local stakeholders working together. By providing young people with resources, support systems, and opportunities, the forum aimed to inspire positive change and empower the next generation to become part of the solution in building a safer Yonkers.
It was clear based on the narrative at this event that gun violence is a National problem that is Preventable through collective community advocacy and involvement!!
