Activist Shares Story To Promote Gun Violence Awareness

Community members gathered at the Urbana Free Library on Tuesday evening to hear stories of those affected by gun violence and to learn more about the Everytown Survivor Network—an initiative of Moms Demand Action.

Janice Walker is a volunteer leader with the network, which brings together survivors of gun violence to share their stories and advocate for what it calls common sense gun laws.

Walker says her brother Melvin was shot and killed by a neighbor in 2010. 

“I found out the news from my sister while I was working. I was in total disbelief, I could not even breathe," said Walker. 

Walker says it took her years to come to terms with her brother’s death. Now, she says she shares Melvin’s story to honor his memory. In fact, she has now become a gun violence prevention activist. 

“I’m here because no one should experience grief and trauma because of senseless gun violence," said Walker. 

She says there will be a Wear Orange event at West Side Park in Champaign on Saturday June 2 where community members will celebrate the victims and survivors of gun violence with a performing artist event.

Tuesday's event was co-hosted by the Champaign County League of Women Voters.