'We need to stop this.' Event in Yonkers centers on the gun violence crisis in America
Those who attended the event at The Yonkers Arts Gallery heard personal stories from others about the loved ones who died from gun violence.
More Stories
Parents, students and leaders came together in Yonkers on Saturday night an effort to end gun violence.
Saturday also marked Youth Gun Violence Awareness Day.
Those who attended the event at The Yonkers Arts Gallery heard personal stories from others about the loved ones who died from gun violence.
"This year makes 25 years that my cousin's life was taken away. We need to stop this," said Yonkers City Councilwoman Tasha Diaz.
Organizer Michelle Gabriel, of Yonkers, also shared her own experiences. She reminded everyone that the gun violence crisis is reaching across all races, ethnic groups and ages.
"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, no matter what race, because a bullet has no color...It just will aim at anyone," she said.
The free event included music, panel discussions and law enforcement and community groups offered instructional materials, all with the purpose of keeping the streets safe for everyone.
"I think gun violence in this country has gone out of control...There'sone incident every other week and it's just crazy. Other countries have an incident and they shut it down right away. I'm not too sure why in this country it's happening over and over again, especially with young children in schools and it's insane to me," said Niall Henry, of Yonkers.
Eleven-year-old Naveen Hendrix said he's learning just how senseless gun violence can be.
"Gun violence is a very bad thing, I don't know why people do it. It's common sense...Why would you shoot someone if you know you're going to go to jail afterwards?" he said.
