On June 13, 2020, as the founder of MACGV, my life changed forever when I received a call that medics were trying to resuscitate the life of my 23-year-old daughter who had been shot in the head while riding as a passenger in a vehicle. My daughter Nia “Brooklyn” Black died on that call; I died on that call…Feeling hopeless, broken, and powerless, my promise to my baby was that her life would not be in vain and I wasn’t going to rest until the person who took her life was brought to justice.

On August 1, 2020, the relentless pursuit for justice began; The birth of Mothers Against Community Gun Violence (MACGV) “Peace Walks.” Calling on community members to speak up and speak out to help get justice for the murder of my daughter, Nia - a  young college student and professional entrepreneur. Banding with detectives, community members, advocacy groups, and city officials, an arrest was made within 65 days and a  conviction of the murderer in 14 months, showing the power community solidarity can make when we all care and stand together…

By June of 2021, our walks organically created a safe space with victims' families, gun violence survivors, and hundreds of community members walking side by side with MACGV to advocate for the lives of their loved ones impacted by gun violence; solidifying the Peace Walks as a walk for the people and the voice of lives gone too soon.

Our 2023 Walkathon aims to raise funds for our national public safety initiative NOT ON MY BLOCK and our ongoing gun violence prevention, education, awareness, and support work for victims’ families and survivors... In light of the recent horrific local and national shootings we believe, it is more important than ever that we all come together and show solidarity in support of safety solutions.