MILWAUKEE — Several organizations, including Moms Demand Action, Safe and Sound, WAVE Educational Fund, the Milwaukee Office of Violence Prevention and the Brady United to End Gun Violence, came together Saturday afternoon to raise awareness about gun violence.

What You Need To Know

  • Several organizations, including Moms Demand Action, Safe and Sound, WAVE Educational Fund, the Milwaukee Office of Violence Prevention and the Brady United to End Gun Violence, came together Saturday afternoon to raise awareness about gun violence

  • The city of Milwaukee broke its homicide record for the third year in a row in 2022, according to Milwaukee police data

  • Dozens attended the National Gun Violence Awareness Month press conference in Milwaukee before the Paint the City Orange Peace Walk on Saturday

  • Several mothers who lost a child to gun violence, including Tristaca Patrick-Yarbrough, who lost her son last year, spoke at the event

The city of Milwaukee broke its homicide record for the third year in a row in 2022, according to Milwaukee police data.

Dozens attended the National Gun Violence Awareness Month press conference in Milwaukee before the Paint the City Orange Peace Walk on Saturday. Several mothers who lost a child to gun violence, including Tristaca Patrick-Yarbrough, spoke at the event. She lost her son, Cory Crosby, a year ago. She said he was her rock and best friend.

“Communicate with your child,” said Patrick-Yarbrough. “Do everything with love. Check their phones. Spend time with your child. Most important therapy. Family therapy is so important. Most important pray together. Those families who pray together stay together and mental health.” 

Navigating the loss has been difficult on her family, especially now that her 5-year-old grandson Cayden is without a dad. Cayden said his dad is in his heart. 

She said it’s important to spread awareness on the dangers of gun violence because she doesn’t want any other family to endure the pain she’s going through.