ALBANY, NY – Today, Chair Assemblymember Michaelle C. Solages (D-Elmont) joined Senator Cordell Cleare (D-Harlem) and Assemblymember Monique Chandler Waterman (D-Brookyln) to host the 2025 Gun Violence Awareness Albany Advocacy Day. Members, their constituents, and advocates from community based organizations across the state came together at the Million Dollar Staircase to highlight how they continue to address gun violence in our communities.
Members of the community spoke during the press conference not only to discuss the work that they are doing on the ground level to combat gun violence, but to also express their frustration with the loss of loved ones being taken from them. Following the press conference, there was aRoundtable Discussion hosted by the BPHA Caucus Anti-Gun Violence Subcommittee. Citations and accolades were given out to advocates, survivors of gun violence and members of the community who continue to carry the trauma of losing a loved one.
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“In light of the tragedies that we are reminded of today, my fellow elected officials and I must strive to help make New York State a place where every life, no matter the skin color,
is valued and protected. We will continue to fight for the allocation of resources and policy changes that can change these horrific outcomes for the better. If we are going to stop gun violence, we must ensure that the young people in our communities can have a place where they can comfortably be themselves. Communities of color all across the country are the ones affected most by this issue, and we need to take action in the Legislature on their behalf.” stated Assembly Member Michaelle C. Solages, Chair of the NYS Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic, and Asian Legislative Caucus.
“Our communities are at a crucial moment in a time where real investments towards the eradication of gun violence for NYS are vital more now than ever. The highest office in this nation has showcased their disinterest in preserving lives, during this national public health crisis, of gun violence, hence, we as state leaders will continue to fight for legislation and key legislation and investments for everyone. Thanks to the advocacy of the AD 58 Taskforce, BPHA Anti-gunviolence Subcommittee, key community groups and stakeholders, we have done so much to lock in investments in our 2025-2026 NYS Budget including a permanent NYS Office of Gun-violence Prevention, allowing it to play a central role in New York State’s efforts to address gun violence. Gun Violence is a national and local issue and it is time for meaningful change to address the gun violence crisis in an effective way and prioritize safety for everyone. Let’s continue to stand up against the public health crisis of gun violence and make the crucial steps of putting an end towards this epidemic, and preserve the lives of all New Yorkers.” said Assemblywoman Chandler Waterman, Chair of the Anti-Gun Violence Subcommittee.
“We are disheartened to have this event because that means someone’s loved one was murdered. We know as it gets hotter in temperature outside, it gets hotter in the streets. That’s why this legislation is so important. We need to do all we can to prepare for a safe summer and, ultimately, make safer communities. I am committed to continue working collaboratively with my colleagues towards a day when we can say another child or loved one’s life was cut short by gun violence. I am grateful for the leadership of Chair Solages of the Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic, & Asian Legislative Caucus and continuing to make a stand against this senseless violence. “stated Assemblymember Monique Chandler-Waterman.
“Each life lost to gun violence tears through the fabric of our communities—a rupture that demands courage, not complacency. As a proud member of the BPHA Caucus, I stand with all who seek to turn pain into policy, and tragedy into transformative change. This fight is not just against bullets, but against the systemic neglect that breeds violence. Through legislation rooted in justice and care, we affirm a simple truth: every New Yorker deserves to live free from the trauma of gun violence. Real safety comes not from fear, but from solidarity, investment, and action.” said Senator Robert Jackson.
“Gun violence is a public health crisis that continues to devastate families and communities across our state. We must be bold in our efforts to enact common-sense gun safety laws, invest in community-based solutions, and protect our neighborhoods from the senseless loss of life. Every New Yorker deserves to feel safe—in their schools, in their homes, and on their streets.” Said Assemblyman Demond Meeks.
“Gun violence remains a problem across our state, especially in our Black and Brown communities. Every day we see the residual harm gun violence causes. In the City of Buffalo, in my own district, we are still feeling the effects of the racist attack on our community and mourning those loved ones we lost. By supporting initiatives like GIVE and SNUG and other local, community-based anti-violence organizations, we can steer people away from the allure of street life and save lives. I want to thank my colleagues in the Anti-Gun Violence Subcommittee for working to make our communities safer.” said Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes.
“Gun violence is not just a crisis in our communities, it’s a direct result of decades of disinvestment, easy access to weapons, and a failure to center healing. In Southeast Queens, we’ve seen the power of community-based solutions: credible messengers, youth programs, and mental health supports that interrupt violence before it happens. I stand with my colleagues in calling for real investments, not just in law enforcement, but in the people and programs that are saving lives every day. This is a public health emergency, and it demands a public health response”. Said NYS Senator Leroy Comrie.
