Louisville Urban League, NAACP call for action as gun violence plagues city
LOUISVILLE, Ky. —
Fifteen people shot and killed in Louisville, just days apart, is a deadly reality that has violence prevention advocates fed up.
“We don't have to live like this. This does not have to be our reality,” said Lyndon Pryor, the interim president of the Louisville Urban League. “We choose to live like this, and at some point, we have to choose differently.”
With more lives at risk, the Louisville Urban League and the local chapter of the NAACP, now more than ever, are moving to solutions.
On Thursday, both organizations laid out similar proposals for gun safety reform.
One priority area called for the Kentucky General Assembly as well as federal lawmakers, to pass common sense gun laws. They include requiring background checks on all gun sales in the state and banning the sale of assault weapons.
The NAACP is specifically looking to Kentucky's Gubernatorial candidates in the upcoming Primary Election to facilitate change.
“We strongly believe that gun violence should become a major, if not the major, issue of the campaign,” said Raoul Cunningham of the NAACP.
Both nonprofits are also pushing for Louisville Metro Council to step in.
“If the general assembly is unwilling to do things for all of Kentucky, we're asking that they allow Jefferson County to control itself and pass legislation rules that advance the interest of the citizens of Jefferson County,” said Raymond Burse of the NAACP.
Local policy change recommendations to Metro Council from the Urban League include prohibiting carrying or purchasing guns after violent misdemeanor offenses, a measure preventing owners from keeping guns in unattended cars and enacting a red flag law, removing funds from anyone in crisis.
In addition to addressing gun violence on a local, state, and federal level, the Community Foundation of Louisville is using philanthropy as a tool to end violence and providing several pathways giving the city hope and healing.
Three separate funds were created to assist victims and survivors of Louisville’s gun violence.
People can donate to those impacted by the Old National Bank and Chickasaw Park shootings, give to nonprofits supporting gun violence survivors, or donate to organizations working to reduce violence in the city.
“This time, the financial power is in your hands is in the hands of Louisville's people,” said Ramona Dallum of the Community Foundation of Louisville. “I’ve asked myself why did several other homicides take place during the week of April 10th? And I believe that it is a test to reveal what this community is really about.”
For more information or to make a donation, visit https://www.cflouisville.org/gv-relief.