Social Justice Alliance Gun Violence Panel Discussion

On Monday, November 13, the University of Maryland Athletic and Bowie State University Athletic programs came together to discuss gun violence.

Richard W. Collins III was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant on May 18, 2017. On May 20, 2017, he was stabbed on the Maryland campus—just days before his graduation ceremony at Bowie State. The tragic act of hate and violence stole a young man’s life from him and his family. However, in the face of adversity, his mother, Mrs. Dawn Collins, and his family decided to take action. As a result, the Social Justice Alliance between Bowie State and Maryland was formed in honor of LT Richard W. Collins III. 

The BSU-UMD Social Justice Alliance website states, “Led by faculty experts and staff from each university, the alliance is addressing critical issues facing campuses, communities, and the nation by engaging our students and communities to bring about the social justice change we want to see.” 

During the gun violence awareness event, Glazer Auditorium was filled with Maryland and Bowie State students bubbling with conversation as Damon Evans, Barry P. Gossett Director of Athletics, kicked off the meeting.

“Gun violence is extremely important in our communities and our country as a whole,” Evans said. “The issues we face in our society need to be addressed.” 

Evans discussed how providing opportunities for athletes off the field/court to better understand major implications on society and how to move forward in the world with that information is a primary goal of the Social Justice Alliance. 

“Maryland’s partnership with Bowie State in the Social Justice Alliance is significant,” he stated.

As stated during the event, using the proper dialog and understanding how people feel or what they are going through will provide a way to move forward in the community when navigating issues like mental health, racism, gun violence, and other socioeconomic issues. 

“We all hate tragedies, but out of those moments come opportunities to learn and better ourselves,” Evans said. “It’s not just about what you do on the field or court, it’s about being successful in the world when you take your next steps after your higher education.”

Collins is a prime example of meeting tragedies head-on and making a difference to prevent another mother from losing her child.

“We come together to discuss matters of social justice to build bridges,” she said. “Not for black America, or white America, but the United States of America.”

One of the key messages from the meeting was that social justice is part of everyday life, and no one is exempt from its reach. It is essential to speak up about what is important to you. The smallest step you can take right now is influencing those around you. Talk with someone you trust about issues going on in the world, have that hard conversation, and build a bridge so that tomorrow, one less person gets hurt.

Collins asked the students in the room to “Stand up for who you are and what you believe in.”

Following the remarks from Evans and Collins, a panel consisting of gun violence activists Che Bullock, Tarria Stanley, and Gregory Jackson Jr. gathered to answer questions regarding their experiences with gun violence.

The panel shared some information regarding the prevention of gun violence.

Jackson focused on strategies to prevent and limit gun violence before shots are fired. Stanley explained her role in organizations and how they work with communities to limit gun violence at the heart of the issue. While Bullock explained how to deal with gun violence after the shot has been fired.

Thirty percent of guns are stolen in transit, and there has been little to no reaction from transit services. Missing 30 percent of a product is a large discrepancy, especially when that product is a weapon. 

“We must strengthen the enforcement and protocols when moving weapons from place to place to reduce and disrupt how the black market is obtaining illegal firearms,” Jackson stated.

People purchase guns to feel safer. In the communities where gun violence occurs, these people are in a state of crisis.

“People being in crisis affect how they react, and with a gun in their hands, it becomes more dangerous.” Jackson explained. “We need to reach out and provide other resources to prevent the crisis from occurring or give them the help they need.”

Many communities have organizations designed to assist in prevention but are simply lacking the resources to be effective.

Stanley explained, “We want to hear out these communities and connect with them where they are at and provide assistance from there.”

Baltimore has seen an 18% decrease in violence since organizations like the Community Justice Action Fund have stepped up to make a change. Community Justice is a bridge to mental health, youth services, and organizations in school. 

“By working in a coalition we can make change happen. We are always looking for more people to bring into the cause, get involved, and have a hand in saving a life,” Stanley said.

These are not isolated situations; gun violence happens everywhere and to everyone.

“We all go through traumatic experiences. Leave your judgment at home because when it comes down to it we are all fighting the same war,” Bullock stated. 

Bullock was shot 13 times and was brought to the hospital shackled. He explained how he felt as if he was seen as a suspect first and a person second. He now shares his story and helps in the rehabilitation process of other gun violence survivors.

He said, “The doctors try to save their lives and I try to save their souls.”

After experiencing violence, men are more likely to experience depression, and women are more likely to experience health-related problems like obesity. 

“The most important part that we need to talk more about is healing. You are responsible for your own healing and these invisible wounds are triggers for further violence or mental and physical problems.” Bullock said.

Gun violence is a leading cause of premature death in the U.S. Guns kill more than 38,000 people and cause nearly 85,000 injuries each year.

 The joint partnership between Maryland and Bowie State is working hard to

 continue to bring awareness to gun violence because it is a preventable crisis, and something can be done about it.