We remember two young leaders who were taken too soon.
John, our hearts are heavy.
This past weekend, the gun violence prevention movement suffered heartbreaking losses with the deaths of two inspiring young leaders: Azir Harris and Meeyah Smith.
Azir transformed personal tragedy into dedicated community activism after surviving a shooting in 2018. His advocacy in Philadelphia focused on peaceful conflict resolution and community safety. Friends and family remember Azir as deeply compassionate and devoted, especially as a loving father to his one-year-old son who now faces life without him.
Meeyah passionately served her Chicago community through Englewood First Responders, an organization dedicated to preventing violence through acts of service. She was known for her unique spirit, kindness, and commitment to uplifting those around her.
The devastating loss of Azir and Meeyah reminds us of the profound courage young activists display daily in the struggle against gun violence. Their dedication underscores why youth leadership and advocacy are vital for meaningful change.
We refuse to keep watching as kids are killed right in front of our eyes. How many more young people have to die for our government to consider our lives worth more than the gun lobby’s profit?
We refuse to forget. And we refuse to move on. We grieve with their families and communities, and we pledge to honor their memory by tirelessly pushing forward in our fight to end gun violence and secure safer futures for all young people.
We will never stop fighting for what Meeyah and Azir believed in: a world free from gun violence.
In solidarity and remembrance,
March For Our Lives
