The White House has announced a series of events scheduled for this week, with a specific focus on addressing gun violence in Black communities. President Joe Biden is actively urging Congress to take further action on gun control.
The White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention has organized a series of events, which will begin on Monday. The first event is a nationwide virtual meeting with Black leaders, focusing on addressing gun violence in their communities. Biden is set to address the nation, acknowledging the significance of this week as “Community Violence Awareness Week.”
White House officials are set to host a roundtable discussion on gun violence, bringing together Black elected officials from various parts of the country. A virtual workshop is set to take place, aimed at connecting state and local leaders with federal resources to tackle the issue of gun violence. The workshop will focus on community safety programs and their potential impact.
In a significant event that aligns with Black History Month, the week will reach its pinnacle on Friday with a distinguished White House ceremony. Vice President Kamala Harris will graciously host the ceremony, where 31 graduates from the University of Chicago Crime Lab’s Community Violence Intervention Leadership Academy will be honored.
According to Greg Jackson, deputy director of the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention, gun violence is a pressing issue that affects our communities on a daily basis. “In light of the current health crisis, it is evident that action from Congress is necessary. However, there are numerous steps we can take to establish a comprehensive approach across all government sectors. Our team has been entrusted with this responsibility.”
In September, President Biden established the Office of Gun Violence Prevention to accelerate the enforcement of his executive actions on gun violence and the provisions outlined in the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act. This act, which was passed in 2022, marks a substantial revision of federal firearms laws, the first in three decades.
A new law has been enacted, allocating a substantial funding of $750 million. The purpose of this funding is to encourage states to establish “red flag laws.” These laws empower law enforcement officials and family members to obtain a court order, enabling them to temporarily seize firearms from individuals who are deemed to be a threat.
In response to the recent wave of mass shootings in the United States, President Biden has been urging Congress to take swift action. He has emphasized the need to reinstate a ban on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, as well as pass legislation that would require background checks for all gun purchases. Despite facing resistance from Republicans in Congress, his efforts have not gained momentum.
Biden, aiming to secure the support of Black voters for his reelection campaign, has made efforts to demonstrate his accomplishments in their communities. Just last month, he highlighted a surge in Black-owned businesses, referring to it as a “small business boom” under his presidency.
