During a village board meeting, Oak Park honors victims of gun violence, reflecting on recent tragedies that have affected the community, including the shooting deaths of local detective Allan Reddins and Gulf War veteran Corey Gates. Attendees, including survivors and community leaders, share personal stories and advocate for heightened awareness and prevention efforts, particularly on National Gun Violence Awareness Day.
Community organizer Jenna Leving Jacobson emphasizes the importance of addressing the broader context of gun violence, which intersects with issues like mental health and public safety. Survivors Sherita Galloway and Alison Gerard recount their harrowing experiences, bringing a human face to the statistics as they rally for solutions, highlighting the urgent need for supportive measures as Oak Park grapples with rising incidents over the past year.
Read full story at www.oakpark.com