John–
For decades, women have led the fight to end gun violence—especially Black women. These mothers of the movement built the foundations that our work to save lives is now built upon. It's a rich history of activists who believed that a better, safer future was possible.
As the first Black woman to be the mayor of the City of St. Louis, I'm honored to carry their work forward as a co-chair of Mayors Against Illegal Guns. Joining together with other municipal leaders from across the country, we're collaborating to end this crisis in our communities.
From my fellow women in elected office to the volunteers of Moms Demand Action, we've made women's history inseparable from the history of fighting to end gun violence.
As we begin Women's History Month, join me in carrying that legacy forward: Add your name to show your support for life-saving gun safety laws like Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPOs).
Our city is still mourning October's mass shooting at Central Visual and Performing Arts High School. The trauma from this incident and senseless violence on our streets echoes across generations. While St. Louis leaders and activists have called for change, certain politicians in the state legislature refuse to take action to strengthen our horribly weak gun safety laws or implement policies that could help prevent these tragedies in the future.
We need strong gun safety laws like Extreme Risk Protection Orders if we're going to stop this crisis. When implemented and enforced, they provide a valuable tool to help save lives. By petitioning a court for an order to temporarily prevent someone in crisis from accessing guns, loved ones or law enforcement can take action proven to stop gun violence before it happens.
Having access to Extreme Risk Protection Orders plays a key role in our fight to end this crisis. Add your name to show your support for these life-saving laws.
Working to stop gun violence in my city has been hard—but I know the time for thoughts and prayers is over. As mayors, we must help our communities prevent this violence and work to heal years of trauma. And as people in the United States, we must look after one another and keep each other safe.
Thank you for being a part of this movement, and thank you for helping us make history.
Tishaura Jones
Mayor of the City of St. Louis
Co-chair of Mayors Against Illegal Guns
P.S. Learn more about Mayors Against Illegal Guns. And if you're a mayor, sign on to our statement of principles and join us in our life-saving work.
