Mothers, Victims and Residents Unite Against Gun Violence at Florida’s City’s Inaugural Survivors Peace and Praise Walk
(MIAMI, FL) – The Carrie Meek foundation joined The Office of Miami-Dade County Commissioner Kionne McGhee, The City of Florida City, Survivors Affected by Violence, The Jack Brown III Foundation (2022 Meek Mobilize Grants Winner), and mothers who’ve lost their children to gun violence to host Florida City’s Inaugural Peace and Praise Walk on Saturday, June 25, at Florida City’s City Hall.
The event united community members to memorialize children who lost their lives to gun violence with mothers leading the peace walk through the streets of Florida City. During the mile-long walk, community residents were energized to take action as the Junkanoo band danced and played music while the crowd chanted “Peace and love in Florida City.”
Mothers spoke about their individual experiences and expressed commitment to continue the fight to reduce gun violence. During the Community Resource Fair, the Citrus Health Network assisted residents with getting access to primary and mental health care services, additionally, Citizens Crime Watch of Miami recruited residents in Florida City to join their countywide network of neighborhood watch groups. Miami-Dade Expressway Authority (MDX), Bullets for Life, Together for Children, The Educational Federal Credit Union, The Elite Key Insurance Group, KADA, and the Injury Attorney Group also provided attendees with helpful resources. Musical performances were provided by ICEE Squad, a hip hop group centered around positive and inspirational rap music. Attendees also received lunch and give-a-ways during the event.
A special memorial program was presented by City of Homestead Councilwoman Jennifer N. Bailey, the Southwest Advisory Committee (SWAC), SPROUT Up (2022 Meek Mobilize Grants Winner) & Artwalk Presents. Recycled flower beds, created and decorated by youth in SPROUT Up’s summer camp, commemorated each victim and were featured in a ceremony for their families to plant seedlings in their memory.
“The Peace Walk was a first step in the Foundation’s broader effort to advance community-based initiatives that improve public health in Florida City, especially reducing violence and it’s impact on residents, youth and families, and increasing access to health care resources,” said Lucia Davis-Raiford, President & CEO of the Carrie Meek Foundation.
About The Carrie Meek Foundation:
The Carrie Meek Foundation, Inc. is a private foundation whose mission is to advance Congresswoman Carrie P. Meek’s vision for civically engaged, well-resourced and resilient communities. We help improve the lives of residents in Miami-Dade County and the larger South Florida community through Education,
Housing, Health, and Economic Development. Learn more about how we put her legacy in action at carriemeekfoundation.org
