Community Unites to Combat Gun Violence in Augusta

News Summary

Families and community leaders gathered in Augusta at the Jessye Norman Amphitheater to raise awareness against gun violence during National Gun Violence Awareness Month. Key speakers shared personal stories, emphasizing the need for community engagement to prevent violence. The Richmond County Coroner’s Office reported a tragic incident involving a young child, underscoring the urgent need for action. The event, featuring storytelling and a balloon release in memory of victims, highlighted the community’s commitment to fostering safety and support against gun violence.

Augusta, Georgia – Families and community leaders gathered on Friday evening at the Jessye Norman Amphitheater for a significant event aimed at raising awareness against gun violence. The event coincided with National Gun Violence Awareness Month in June, where participants donned orange clothing to symbolize the call for change and remembrance of victims affected by gun violence.

Key speakers included Phyllis Jackson, the head of the local Moms Demand Action group, who shared her heartbreaking personal story of losing her son, Gerald Walden, to gun violence in 2019. Jackson emphasized that gun violence victims are not mere statistics; they are individuals with names, lives, and loved ones, which adds a personal dimension to the call for justice and awareness. She expressed her commitment to ensuring that no other family would have to endure similar anguish.

Additionally, Tonya Gibbons, CEO of Farr More and Associates, highlighted the necessity of building strong relationships with young community members as a proactive measure against violence. Her focus on youth engagement aligns with ongoing efforts to foster a positive environment, especially during the summer months when school is out.

The event highlighted a pressing matter within the community as the Richmond County Coroner’s Office reported a tragic incident involving the suspicious death of a 16-month-old boy, believed to have succumbed to a methadone overdose. This grim news serves as a stark reminder of the broader issues related to gun violence and substance abuse within the community.

During the gathering, there were moments of storytelling, reflection, and a poignant balloon release to honor the memory of lives lost. Attendees listened to shared experiences from families affected by gun violence, reinforcing the personal nature of the issue. Richmond County Sheriff Eugene Brantley and Commissioner Jordan Johnson also spoke, sharing their own encounters with gun violence and emphasizing the collective responsibility to combat it.

Jackson reiterated that the grieving process is ongoing and impacts families every day, stressing the importance of community support for those affected. Hope Ciccio articulated similar sentiments, sharing her son’s tragic death and the significant role of community in seeking justice and healing.

The attendees collectively honored the memories of their loved ones while advocating for meaningful change to prevent further incidents of gun violence. Jackson and other mothers took the stage to share their experiences, urging the crowd to remember the victims and push for initiatives that promote safety and awareness.

In addition to addressing gun violence, the event highlighted other community achievements. Richmond County’s graduates in 2025 received over $41.6 million in scholarships, representing a robust display of community resilience and support for its youth.

As part of ongoing efforts to address violence, the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office is actively collaborating with local partners to tackle issues related to teen violence, particularly during the summer months when juvenile crime rates tend to increase. In an important announcement, Commissioner Johnson stated that the remembrance event will be held annually on the first Friday in June, underscoring the importance of consistent community engagement and awareness around the issue of gun violence.

Overall, the event served as a powerful reminder of the impact of gun violence on individuals and families, fostering a collective commitment to prevention and support within the Augusta community.

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Additional Resources

• WJBF: Wear Orange Event Held in Downtown Augusta
• Wikipedia: Gun Violence
• WRDW: Mother and Son Spread Awareness about Gun Violence
• Google Search: Gun Violence Awareness
• WJBF: Gun Violence Awareness Event in Augusta
• Google Scholar: Gun Violence
• WRDW: Communities Across CSRA Wear Orange for Gun Violence Awareness
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Gun Violence
• WRDW: CSRA Communities Remember Gun Violence Victims
• Google News: Gun Violence