Community Leaders Call for Gun Violence Strategy Session After Weekend Shootings

This past weekend, Buffalo experienced another wave of violence that left families shaken, neighborhoods hurting, and far too many people asking the same question:

When does it stop?

According to Buffalo Police, 12 people were shot in six separate shootings between Saturday night and early Sunday morning. While police say the injuries were believed to be non-life-threatening, that doesn't lessen the trauma for the victims, their families, or the communities left trying to make sense of another violent weekend.

The violence stretched across multiple neighborhoods while officers also responded to several other major incidents throughout the city, creating what many described as one of the busiest and most chaotic nights.

Now, community leaders are asking residents to do more than react, do more than just post about it on social media, but let's strategise.

Tomorrow, Wednesday, July 8, Masten District Councilwoman Zeneta B. Everhart is inviting youth, parents, educators, faith leaders, neighborhood organizations, and residents to come together for a community Strategy Session focused on creating real solutions to gun violence.

The meeting will take place:

Wednesday, July 8
5:30 p.m.
Mt. Olive Baptist Church
701 East Delavan Avenue
Buffalo, NY 14215

Strategy Session:Zeneta B. Everhart

The goal isn't another meeting where people simply talk about the problem. It's about building strategies that lead to safer neighborhoods and stronger support systems for young people. Community-driven solutions and hope for the next generation

As the flyer states: "We cannot allow these moments to become our new normal."

Our Community Needs More Than Social Media Posts

What I have learned is that for many, it's easy to post "prayers up." It's so easy to repost another shooting headline. But what's harder is showing up.

Real change doesn't happen from the comment section. It happens when neighbors sit at the same table, when parents speak up, when young people are heard, when organizations collaborate, and when the community refuses to accept violence as the cost of living in our city. I am excited about this conversation, and I hope you show up.  So, if you ever ask the question "What can I do?" Well, here is your chance to do something. Please show up. Your voice matters. And this community needs every one of us.