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Join us on Monday, May 19 from 6-8 p.m. for the second in our series of conversations about youth gun violence in Seattle and King County.

“A Future Without Gun Violence: The Dialogue Continues” follows last month’s event when a capacity crowd gathered April 28 at the Northwest African American Museum.

To accommodate a wider audience, the May 19 event has shifted to a virtual format. You will hear from an all-new slate of educators, faith leaders, government officials, social service experts, and community members.  The series is organized by the 4-C Coalition and Seattle CARES Mentoring Movement.

At the April kick-off, attendees were asked to complete a survey sharing their concerns and priorities about gun violence in the community. More than one-fourth (28%) of the audience that night said they had been a victim of gun violence; nearly half (44%) had witnessed a gun violence episode.

When asked what gave them hope, the top answer was community (cited by 46% of respondents), followed by faith (27%) and family (19%).  Respondents believed that “mentorship” would make the biggest difference for young people impacted by gun violence, followed by “opportunities.” When asked what the community must provide to protect the next generation, more than two-thirds said education (36%), followed by freedom (20%) and family (16%).

Register here for the May 19 “A Future Without Gun Violence: The Dialogue Continues:

This event is part of the Voices for Change series, designed to help our community better navigate the challenges and changes in our lives.  Sponsors for the series include: King County, City of Seattle and University of Washington American Ethnic Studies.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Save The Date!

Monday, May 19 | 6 pm – 8 pm | Zoom

We’re just getting started!

Shifting to a virtual format will help us continue the dialogue. The more voices represented, the more we can understand what’s at stake. Our goal: To build momentum that leads to lasting change.

An all-new slate of speakers in May will include educators, faith leaders, social service experts, government officials, and community members just like you.

Expect candid discussions and powerful conversations.

Register Online to attend the Zoom Call

Download the PDF Flyer

Guns are the leading cause of death among Black children nationwide, taking a toll physically and emotionally on our youth and their families. It’s a troubling issue that continues to impact many neighborhoods in Seattle and King County.

On Monday, April 28, a free community event that looks at youth gun violence in our community will be held from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. at the Northwest African American Museum, 2300 S. Massachusetts St., Seattle. The program begins at 6 p.m.

“A Future Without Gun Violence: Community Dialogue” was created to enable the community to come together to discuss this critical issue. Speakers will include a youth panel, families and parents whose lives have been altered by youth violence, members of the legal and social service community, and mentors. The evening is organized by Seattle CARES Mentoring Movement and the 4-C Coalition.

In King County, youth gun violence remains high and the trend is continuing upwards. Last year, shooting victims under the age of 18 comprised 15% of the total number of shooting victims, compared to 9% in 2023.

There were 61 youth shooting victims in King County in 2024. That’s an increase of 45% over 2023 and double the number of victims in 2019. Nearly half (48%) of these incidents occurred in the city of Seattle.

At the April 28 community dialogue, attendees will hear from individuals affected by this rising crime trend. We expect their powerful conversations and candid discussions will help uncover what’s at stake and how to make a difference.

“We need to build momentum in the community to spark change,” said Don Cameron, executive director, Seattle CARES. “Why are we having so many problems? Why are guns so easily accessible to our teens? We hope this community event will be a step in the right direction.”

Registration is requested for this event; there is no cost In-person registration is full. Please register by April 25 to attend online.

Take our survey about gun violence.

“A Future Without Gun Violence” is part of the Voices for Change series, designed to help our community better navigate the challenges and changes in our lives.  Sponsors for the series include: King County, City of Seattle and University of Washington American Ethnic Studies.

 

Monday, April 28 / 5 pm – 8 pm
Northwest African American Museum
2300 S. Massachusetts Street
Seattle WA 98144

Guns are the leading cause of death for Black children nationwide, taking a toll physically and emotionally. In 2024, Seattle had 31 fatal-injury shootings – 3 were in the Central Area/Squire Park.

Join us at a free community event on Monday, April 28 to hear representatives from our community discuss this troubling issue. Our speakers include a youth panel, families and parents affected by youth violence, legal and social service workers, and mentors.

Meet fellow community members.
Learn how to make a difference.
Light refreshments served.

Register online

Expect candid discussions and powerful conversations.

Download the PDF Flyer

Voices for Change is an ongoing series to help us navigate our challenging lives and changing communities, organized by Seattle CARES Mentoring Movement and the 4C Coalition.