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Upcoming Events
Events & Opportunities: We are kicking off exciting events as we round out the month of February. Make sure you are staying engaged with Community Justice! Sign up for our emails and join our community by emailing us at [email protected].
Next Coalition Meeting: The INVEST IN US Coalition consists of national and local gun violence prevention organizations committed to building support to fund evidence-based community solutions to end gun violence and educate leaders and the general public about proactive solutions to make our communities safer. At these meetings we discuss federal and state affairs for gun violence prevention in communities of color, including strategy for Congressional appropriations, funding, and legislative events.
This coalition meets monthly. The next coalition meeting will be Thursday, March 14 at 3pm EST. If you would like to join this coalition please email us at [email protected] .
Volunteer Opportunities:
Join our online community! If you’re interested in staying up to date with Community Justice efforts, news on the effects of gun violence and ways that you can help combat gun violence, please like our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram and Twitter. Learn more about issues and solutions that affect our community and aid in our fight to end gun violence.
February Recap
KC Rapid Response Call: Last week, Community Justice was joined by leading gun violence prevention champions from around the country to host a national advocacy call to discuss the whole-of-government response needed to reduce the daily devastation of community gun violence, following the tragic Super Bowl victory parade shooting in Kansas City. The call featured local and national experts on gun violence prevention in Black and brown communities urging policy changes that prioritize community-centered approaches to the gun violence public health crisis, including CVI programs proven to save lives and improve communities.
Please follow these local groups to find out how you can stay involved in their work and stay tuned for more grassroots advocacy events coming out of the call!
KC Mothers in Charge [[link removed]]
AIM 4 Peace [[link removed]]
CVI Leadership Academy Graduation: CJ was on hand on February 9, 2024 for the graduation of the first cohort of the Community Violence Intervention Leadership Academy (CVILA). Our founder, Amber Goodwin, was able to witness the culmination of six months of rigorous education, where emerging leaders have delved into staff management, data-driven practices, violence reduction, and community engagement. The event was live-streamed by the White House [[link removed]] , offering a unique opportunity to celebrate the achievements of these trailblazing individuals who are shaping the future of community violence intervention
Super Bowl Collaboration with Players Coalition: Players Coalition, the nonprofit founded by NFL players Anquan Boldin and Malcolm Jenkins, now with more than 1,500 athlete advocates across 12 professional leagues, announced during Super Bowl week that it would officially support and partner with Community Justice and our community partners to focus on community-centered solutions to violence that embrace a public health approach. Check out more about that announcement and coverage here: [link removed] [[link removed]]
NBA All- Star Weekend: CJ was also able to attend the NBA All-Star Weekend with the NBA Social Justice Committee. The National Basketball Social Justice Coalition is an organization of players, coaches, team governors, and executives leading the NBA family’s advocacy work to dismantle racial inequality and advance social justice. We were honored to join in the weekend and have our founder and Midwest Associate Mariah Cooley attend the events to continue to spread the word and build partnerships with and for Black and brown communities to end gun violence.
State & Federal Legislative Updates
FY24 Appropriations Advocacy. As the first government funding deadline for Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 approaches us in early March, we used the month of February to send one more reminder to Congress about the importance of funding community-based gun violence prevention strategies. Community Justice, along with the Invest in Us Coalition, secured signatures from 73 House Democrats on a sign-on to a letter led by Rep. Robin Kelly (D-Ill.) that asks House leadership to support the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Community Violence Intervention and Prevention Initiative in the upcoming FY24 funding package. This program is instrumental to achieving long-term reductions in gun violence, and we made sure Members were aware of life-saving opportunities it brings to communities in their districts. Thank you to all of those in the Invest in Us coalition that participated in this effort. By way of reminder, the Senate included funding for this grant program in their version of the funding bill, and we have contacted the committee to urge them to prioritize it as negotiations continue between them and the House.
Earmarks . Although the FY 2025 process hasn’t begun, we’ve made sure to educate our state coalitions about the earmarks, which grants state and local governments, along with non-profit entities, such as gun violence prevention organizations, an opportunity to receive direct funding from their Member of Congress to carry out a project that benefits the district.
Our ongoing advocacy for federal appropriations and earmarks reflects our deep commitment to securing funding for gun violence prevention and intervention. We're also closely monitoring state legislative sessions, ready to support comprehensive public safety efforts.
CJ Endorsed Legislation. On February 14, 2024, Congressman Maxwell Frost (D-Fla.) introduced legislation titled the Identify Gun Stores Act (H.R. 7352), which would prevent states from creating merchant category codes for guns. Although Community Justice generally focuses on systemic and community-level interventions rather than the direct regulation of firearms, we recognize that this legislation is key to addressing the gun violence epidemic and represents significant strides toward reforming industry practices and preserving American lives.
States in Action
On the ground in Maryland : Community Justice's input has been instrumental in shaping the vision and scope of the Maryland Center, ensuring it aligns with the needs of communities most impacted by gun violence. This month, our States Manager Tarria Stanley led testimony to support this initiative on the ground. The new Center for Firearm Prevention and Intervention will collaborate closely with a wide range of stakeholders, including public health experts, law enforcement agencies, community-based groups and non-governmental gun violence prevention organizations. Tarria and our team in the area will continue to meet with legislators and member of the community to get this legislation across the finish line before the end of session.
In Texas , Christina Delgado, along with Big Mama's Safe House and the Invest in Us Texas coalition, has been at the forefront in Bexar County, advocating for crucial funding to sustain and expand Community Violence Intervention (CVI) programming.
In Minnesota, the legislative push for CVI funding through Medicaid (HF 3834 & SF 3649), introduced by Rep. Frazier and Senator Boldon, underscores our active engagement in policy advocacy for safer communities.
In Georgia , Brent Bailey, our Southeast Regional Associate, stood shoulder-to-shoulder with advocates from the Georgia Majority for Gun Safety at the Capitol for a press event to address the urgency of passing gun safety legislation. Along with our on the ground partners in the community, State Representatives Michelle Au and Derrick Jackson continue to lead the charge on this work and the urgency across Georgia for legislative action.
Community Justice hosted our first Nevada -based training ahead of the Super Bowl. The End Gun Violence Gun Violence Prevention Training in Nevada in partnership with Nevada Partners was aimed to educate participants on effective strategies to prevent gun violence and promote community safety across the community and on all levels of government. Thanks to all that attended- we look forward to working with everyone on the ground in Las Vegas and across Nevada to build power with and for communities of color to end gun violence.
Upcoming Trainings & Partnerships
National Policy & Advocacy Summit and Lobby Day (Apr. 16 & 17) : This pivotal two-day event will be a convergence of advocates, survivors, and policymakers, aimed at amplifying our collective voice for substantial policy changes. You can sign up for the Advocacy Summit & Lobby Day here: [link removed]
Camp End Gun Violence : Our upcoming training sessions are designed to empower community leaders with effective strategies to combat gun violence, reinforcing our commitment to community-led solutions.
San Antonio, TX: March 16 & 17 – Sign up here: [link removed]
St. Paul, MN: April 13 & 14 – Sign up here: [link removed]

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