MILWAUKEE — More Americans died of gun-related injuries in 2021 than in any other year on record, according to the latest available statistics from the Centers for Disease Control.
One grassroots movement is fighting for public safety measures to protect people from gun violence in Wisconsin.
Moms Demand Action (MDA) does work in communities and with business leaders. Their mission is to encourage a culture of responsible gun ownership.
Melody Villanueva is one mom joining the movement.
When she’s not working as a caretaker, Villanueva said she likes to spend time in the library. She said she’s usually reading books on the justice system in America or finding new ways to educate herself.
She’s passionate about learning more about how to make a change in the community after an experience that changed her life forever.
Villanueva said a few years ago, her son Jakari was shot and killed. Villanueva said Jakari lost his life at the hands of his own father.
“There is no reason as to why a father, regardless if he was in his life or not, would do such a thing,” she said.
Despite the heartache, she focused on turning her tragedy into something positive by keeping Jakari’s memory alive.
It’s why she joined MDA.
“I wanted to connect with people that actually had a similar experience,” said Villanueva. “Not one death is the same, but all deaths have a traumatic effect.”
Jenevia Blanks is the co-lead for the Moms Demand Action Milwaukee chapter.
“We know that gun violence is unfortunately a prevalent issue,” she said. “We call it a public health crisis in Milwaukee.”
Blanks works with survivors of gun violence. She said the group fights for public safety measures that can protect people from gun violence.
Moms Demand Action has established a volunteer chapter in every state and in Washington, D.C. It’s part of Everytown for Gun Safety, the largest gun violence prevention organization in the country, with nearly 10 million supporters.
“When we can get others to hear our survivors’ voices, we hope it will push them to action to say ‘what can I do to help end this public health crisis?’” she said.
Villanueva said she will continue to share her story of grief and triumph with others.
“As moms, I believe we have the power to move mountains when we come together,” she said.
Villanueva said she hopes to help put a stop to the senseless gun violence plaguing the city.