SEPTEMBER A RECORD MONTH FOR LOCK IT FOR LOVE!
Our Lock It For Love (LIFL) program continues to grow in reach and impact, with requests for this education and gun lock distribution program coming at a rapid pace. As of October 1, we have completed 104 events and distributed 2,597 free gun locks. September was a record month as 21 volunteers and police officers from five metro police departments participated in 10 events, many centered around Suicide Awareness Month. Eleven additional events are scheduled for the remainder of the year.
As we say so often now, we are quite sure we have saved the life of at least one curious toddler, one distraught teen. However, as we read of the preventable death of a 2-year-old just last week, we know our work must continue.
We are thankful for the many partnerships we have formed as a result of this community-wide effort to keep our children and grandchildren safe. If interested in learning more about the LIFL program or to be a volunteer, please email us. Co-Chairs Chris Glenski and Barb McNeile will respond promptly to your request.
EMANUEL DOCUMENTARY DRAWS GAGV MEMBERS
More than a dozen GAGV members attended the community screening on September 26 of the documentary “Emanuel” which examines the aftermath of the June 2015 mass shooting of nine African-Americans at the AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina.
The showing was sponsored by the Kansas City, Mo. Police Department and other community groups, including GAGV. A panel discussion on ways to curb gun violence followed the screening and included Rose Simmons, whose father was one of the nine victims, Barb McNeile, GAGV board member, and others.
Panelists Barb McNeile, Anthony Butler, Rose Simmons, Mahnaz Shabir, Deputy Chief Kuehl, Rabbi Doug Alpert
Ms. Simmons met with a group of GAGV members the day before the screening to discuss the documentary and how families live with the aftermath of gun violence. Her message was forgiveness, which is also the message of the film. Within hours of the shooter’s capture, many of the victims’ families publicly forgave the 21-year-old white supremacist, who was later convicted on all 33 federal charges, including hate crimes. He is now on death row at the maximum-security federal penitentiary in Terre Haute, Indiana.
GAGV members Joan Jacobson, Chris Glenski, Charlotte Davison, Judie Becker Lona Harris and Barb McNeil join Rose Simmons, Jason Cooley, KCPD and Durwood Londy
Do it! Stand up for what you believe in. The world needs your voice. Whoever you are, you have something to say. Say it!
– Kerry Washington, actress
