City officials kicked off Gun Violence Awareness Month in Bedford-Stuyvesant on Tuesday, highlighting various violence intervention programs across New York City.
The Office of Neighborhood Safety, part of the Mayor's Office of Community Safety, joined the Crisis Management System, elected officials, survivors, and community partners at Restoration Plaza for an event titled “Hope, Healing & Community Power." The event marked the launch of a series of community activations hosted by City Hall, community- and faith-based organizations taking place throughout June.
Year to date, shooting incidents in the city declined 5.7% (247 vs. 262) and shooting victims declined 7.1% (289 vs. 311). Brooklyn led the city with a 47.6% reduction in shooting incidents (11 vs. 21).
This summer, the Office of Neighborhood Safety is implementing a coordinated Summer Safety Plan focused on preventing youth violence and expanding opportunities for young people. Through the city’s Crisis Management System, messengers and outreach teams will increase engagement in neighborhoods most impacted by violence, with enhanced mediation efforts, extended evening programming, youth listening events, and rapid-response activations during high-risk periods and large gatherings, officials said.
The plan also expands access to safe spaces, mentorship, recreation, and workforce opportunities to ensure young New Yorkers are connected to positive supports throughout the summer months.
"Every child we lose to gun violence leaves a lasting void in a family and a community," Deputy Mayor for Community Safety Renita Francois said in a statement. "This Gun Violence Awareness Month, we honor the young New Yorkers whose lives were taken too soon and recommit ourselves to preventing the next tragedy."
Many violence prevention groups were in attendance, including Life Camp, True 2 Life and GOSO/SAVE. Elected officials from Brooklyn supporting the effort include Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez, Council Member Chi Ossé, Council Member Crystal Hudson and Assemblymember Monique Chandler-Waterman.
“Every life saved matters and every young person deserves the chance to grow up safe, healthy, and hopeful about their future," said Office of Community Safety Commissioner Ayesha Delany-Brumsey.
