‘Enough is Enough’: Baltimore residents illuminate the urgency of gun reform

One-time Monthly Annually

One-time

$9

$20

$90

Other Donation amount

$

Monthly

$7

$15

$30

Other Donation amount per month

$

Annually

$84

$180

$360

Other Donation amount per year

$

Your contribution is appreciated.

Donate Now

Andrea Stevens

AFRO Staff Writer

astevens@afro.com

Gun violence continues to shape daily life in Baltimore, where residents say it’s more than a headline — it’s a constant reality. From personal loss and trauma to frustration with broken systems, people across the city are speaking out about their experiences and what real solutions should look like. In honor of National Gun Violence Awareness Month the AFRO asked everyday Baltimoreans to share how gun violence has touched their lives, and what they believe needs to change.

“I’ve lost quite a few people to gun violence. A couple were really close — I even lost someone I loved. I’ve dealt with the deaths of friends, uncles and cousins. For me, I’m also part of a teaching community, gun violence doesn’t just affect me personally. It affects my students, my colleagues and the families I work with. I carry that– not just as a person, but as a teacher and a counselor. It becomes this big trickle-down effect. For me, it’s about being prepared and trying to address the problem. One of the most important things I can do is contribute to the community, I understand what I’m dealing with — and maybe help bring about change. That, to me, is what real recovery looks like. I think people are speaking up more now. Sure, we’ve got all these new technologies that help catch people, but the real shift comes when the community steps up — like they used to. That old code of the street, where if you’re living that life, it stays in that life. It shouldn’t spill over and affect everybody else.”

“I’ve been a victim of gun violence. I was walking home from an event at Druid Hill Park. I should have gone straight to the subway, but instead, I waited for the bus near the bus stop. Two people came from behind the shelter and robbed me. They saw my phone — that’s all they took. I had my wallet on me, but they only stole the phone. It wasn’t my fault someone decided to rob me, and I felt like the whole thing could have been prevented — either by me taking a different route or by the city being safer overall. 

Latik McNeil, 30

“I know a victim. Years ago, while my aunt was trying to break up a domestic dispute between her friend and her friend’s boyfriend, my aunt — on my dad’s side — was shot in the back. The injury left her paralyzed from the waist down for the rest of her life. 

I believe all victims should be offered counseling. While physical therapy often follows hospitalization, the victim’s mental health is just as important. After a proper arrest, I think people in the community deserve to be fully informed about what happened and they can feel safer and more reassured. It’s unfortunate that shootings occur and people have to turn to social media or rely on word of mouth just to find out what’s happening in their own neighborhood. Honestly, I think more can always be done to address gun violence — but I do appreciate the rallies, ceasefires and events that local businesses and community groups are organizing.”

Lauryn Crosby, 27

Mentally, it took a toll. I didn’t want to go to work. I avoided walking near my dorm. For a long time, I felt like everyone around me was a suspect — especially since the robbers wore face masks. I never found out who did it. And even though I got another phone, that didn’t fix what I went through. I do appreciate programs where people can turn in guns — especially if they’re unlicensed. I believe if you’re not licensed to carry a firearm, you shouldn’t have one at all. If you do go through the proper channels, follow the rules, and earn that license, that’s different. But if you don’t, there should be consequences.”

Brandon Hatcher, 34

“I haven’t had someone super close to me be a direct victim of gun violence, but I live in a city where it’s common. I’ve seen too many young people — my age or close — get shot or killed. Even at Morgan State, where I go to school, there was a shooting during our 2023 Homecoming that ruined what should’ve been a celebration. 

While I may not know a victim personally, gun violence still feels very real and close to home. The recovery process must be incredibly difficult, especially for those with families. Beyond physical wounds, the emotional and mental impact — like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)— is serious. One major issue is how easily guns get into the hands of young people. I don’t know exactly how, but it’s scary. I grew up in a home with guns, but my dad kept them locked away and out of sight. That’s how it should be — for protection only, with proper training and licensing.  

I feel like people talk about gun reform a lot, but I don’t actually see much being done. There’s a lot of talk, but not a lot of follow through. Even in casual conversations, I’ve heard some of my male friends say they want to move to other states where gun laws are “better,” meaning more relaxed and I’m thinking, our laws already feel loose or at least not strictly enforced. And even then, the enforcement doesn’t always seem fair. It’s like law enforcement only gets strict at the face of a gun.”

Olivia Dreux, 22

“My adopted brother — who was also my cousin — died on the operating table, not from just gunshot wounds, but from the aftermath. They had to reconstruct his entire body. His stomach was turned upside down. I had to watch that. 

I’m a vocal person, and I know what really happened. He wasn’t shot by some kid in Baltimore, he was set up. That’s why I get frustrated when people only talk about gun violence like it’s just a “youth problem.” It’s not, it’s everywhere — and in every system. He got into a fight lost. My brother didn’t die from the initial incident, but then got set up–which finished the job. We talk about gun violence like it’s just about kids on the streets, but the reality is, it’s more than that. Let’s be real about that.”

Jamal Jackson, 45

“I do know someone who’s been affected by gun violence. One of my clients’ ex-boyfriends — the father of one of her children — was involved. The recovery process is difficult for anyone affected by gun violence, but with faith and support, I believe they can get through it. 

There needs to be better control of gun violence across all communities, and that starts at home — with parents and the influences surrounding young teens and adults.

Society today– from song lyrics to the lifestyles promoted in media– plays a major role in how out of control gun violence has become. We need to address the root of the problem. I don’t think enough is being done, not at all.”

Kyla Fernandez, 21 

AFRO Intern Tavon Thomasson contributed to this report.