Why We Fight: Gun Violence Survivors Share Their Stories

Survivors and parents of gun violence victims share their stories and how they turned their loss into strength by fighting to end gun violence in America.

Advancing Racial Equity and Justice, Gun Violence Prevention, Public Safety

Part of a Series

In Their Own Words: Stories From Gun Violence Survivors

People attend a candlelight prayer vigil outside Immanuel Church .

In Their Own Words: Stories From Gun Violence Survivors

I have turned my pain into purpose. I have turned my pain into a movement. Rev. Dr. Greta Willis

Every day, 132 Americans are killed with guns and hundreds more are shot and wounded. That means that every 11 minutes, families and communities are forever changed by the gun violence epidemic in our country. However, thanks to the tireless efforts of survivors and violence prevention advocates, the gun violence prevention movement is growing and making important progress to save countless lives. This includes Congress passing the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act and statehouses across the country adopting foundational gun safety policies that a majority of voters have demanded for years.

In the latest installment in our video series centering the voices of survivors, the Center for American Progress creates space for survivors who have joined the gun violence prevention movement to share why they are turning tragedy into purpose.

The positions of American Progress, and our policy experts, are independent, and the findings and conclusions presented are those of American Progress alone. American Progress would like to acknowledge the many generous supporters who make our work possible.

Authors

Nick Wilson

Senior Director, Public Safety

Chandler Hall

Associate Director, Public Safety

Producers

Andrew Sonntag

Former Events Video Producer

Hai-Lam Phan

Managing Director, Creative

Team

Public Safety

Protecting people from crime is one of the government’s most fundamental and urgent responsibilities. However, the current reality is that too many crimes go unsolved and too many victims lack justice. The Center for American Progress is committed to advancing evidence-based policies that keep individuals safe by solving crime when it happens, ensuring swift and certain accountability for those who harm others, and preventing crime in the first place.

Explore The Series

In Their Own Words: Stories From Gun Violence Survivors

SeriesAugust 14, 2023

In Their Own Words: Stories From Gun Violence Survivors

Every day, 132 Americans are killed with guns and hundreds more are shot and wounded. That means that every 11 minutes, families and communities across the country are forever changed by gun violence.

To create healing, solidarity, and progress, we must listen to those affected directly by the gun violence epidemic. By bringing these stories to the forefront of our discussions on gun violence, we can highlight the specific needs of at-risk communities and advocate for a more informed and survivor-focused approach to building safer communities.

In Their Own Words: Talking to Gun Violence Survivors

In Their Own Words: Talking to Gun Violence Survivors

In Their Own Words: How Remembering Loved Ones Lost to Gun Violence Inspires Action