Jersey City Ward F Councilman Frank “Educational” Gilmore is inviting residents to a public community panel focused on violence prevention, healing, and grassroots solutions on National Gun Violence Awareness Day tomorrow evening.
By Joe Murray/Hudson County View
“Gun violence isn’t just a national issue — it’s deeply local. It impacts our schools, our blocks, our families,” Gilmore said in a statement.
“We’ve seen the pain right here in Jersey City, and now more than ever, we need to have honest, ongoing conversations about what it will take to heal and protect our community.”
Tomorrow evening’s free event will begin at 6:00 p.m. at St. John’s Lutheran Church, located at 525 Bramhall Ave, where doors will open at 5:30 p.m.
The panel will include representatives from several local organizations, each of which works on the front lines of violence prevention and youth support. Confirmed participants include:
• Pam Johnson, Anti-Violence Coalition of Hudson County
• Lewis Spears, Kismet of Kings
• Robyn Gorman, Hudson Partnership CMO
• Sean Bruce, Sav’n Blocks
• Det. Rashaun Spence, Blacks in Law Enforcement Servicing the Community
• Dwayne Baskerville, Go Get My Kids
Residents are encouraged to submit questions in advance here to help guide the conversation and ensure that community input is central to the discussion.
“This isn’t just a panel — it’s a space for truth, healing, and strategy. Gun violence is a community issue, and it will take all of us — activists, law enforcement, parents, educators, and young people — to shift the culture,” noted Johnson, also a Ward A council candidate.
“We’re not here to just talk about the pain. We’re here to build power, demand resources, and protect our future. Jersey City deserves that.”
Speakers are expected to share personal experiences, community-based solutions, and calls for increased support and investment in local youth and families.
“Too many of our babies know the sound of a gunshot before they know how to tie a tie. But I made it out — not without scars, but with a mission. So let’s talk. Not just about gun violence, but about life. About solutions. Savin’ blocks, one day at a time,”noted Bruce.
Additionally, attendees are encouraged to wear orange, a color that symbolizes the value of human life and honors those lost to gun violence.
“By wearing orange and coming together for this dialogue. We’re showing that Jersey City refuses to be silent. We are committed to peace, prevention, and protecting our future — one life at a time,” Gilmore concluded.
