3rd
Annual Guns Aside Month Concept
In
commemoration of ROOT Inc.’s 3rd
Annual Guns Aside month in recognition
of its anti gun violence campaign, ROOT
Inc. will be hosting a series of events
in the Washington, DC metropolitan area
to engage youth in preventing youth
violence and gun violence.
In January
2006, then Council members Jim Graham
(Ward 1) and Adrian Fenty (Ward 4)
introduced a resolution to the District
City Council to make January a Guns
Aside month because of ROOT's work in
bringing the youth violence and gun
violence to the forefront of public
awareness. The Council unanimously
voted to pass this resolution. At this
time ROOT conveyed that the deluge of
violence plaguing the District warranted
a state of emergency and public health
crisis. In July 2006 the City declared
a state of emergency due to the
escalating prevalence of gun violence
In January
2007, the resolution to make January a
Guns Aside month was re-introduced by
Council members Jim Graham and Vincent
Gray and passed unanimously by the
Council. Prince George’s County under
the office of Councilmember Carolyn Exum
proclaimed January Guns Aside Month in
Prince George’s County.
ROOT Inc.
seeks January 2008 to be its 3rd
Annual Guns Aside month in Washington,
DC and Prince George’s County,
Maryland.
ROOT Inc.
will be planning a series of anti gun
violence workshops in various schools
and will be launching a youth anti gun
violence essay, poetry, and art work
contest for youth in select schools.
ROOT Inc.
seeks to culminate the month with a Slam
Poetry Contest on Saturday, January 26,
2008 which will feature local talent, a
youth showcase for school contest
winners, and a nationally acclaimed
spoken word artist.
