On Wednesday, students across Norfolk gathered at four local community centers to publicly pledge against gun violence as part of the annual Day of National Concern. The events, organized by the national movement Voices of Black Mothers United, aimed to encourage young people to choose peaceful conflict resolution and to reinforce the value of each life in the community.
Community locations host the pledge
Gatherings were held at the Youngs Terrace Boys & Girls Club, Calvert Square Envision Center, Grandy Village Boys & Girls Club, and the Diggs Town Resilience Center. At each site, students recited a simple promise: they will not bring guns to school and will not use firearms to settle disputes.
Response from local advocates
Marlene Bright, director of the Norfolk Family Justice Center, praised the initiative, saying it gives youth a chance to recognize their own worth before conflicts turn deadly. “Their life has value, it has purpose, and it doesn’t stop with an argument,” Bright said.
Bright added that programs like this help families and neighborhoods build stronger connections, reducing the likelihood that a disagreement escalates into violence.
Context of recent tragedy
The pledge event comes just one week after a shooting near Norview High School claimed the life of 16‑year‑old Kevon DrumGold. The community’s grief has sparked renewed conversations about youth safety and the role of schools, families, and faith‑based groups in preventing further loss.
Voices of Black Mothers United’s mission
Voices of Black Mothers United is a national movement dedicated to supporting families who have lost Black children to violence and to preventing future tragedies. By focusing on education, mentorship, and community engagement, the organization seeks to address the root causes of gun‑related incidents in neighborhoods like Norfolk.
Student reactions
Students who participated shared personal reflections on why the pledge matters to them. Many expressed a desire to see their neighborhoods become safer places where friends and classmates can thrive without fear.
“I want to be part of a community where we look out for each other,” one student said. “If we all promise not to bring guns, we can keep each other safe.”
Looking ahead
Organizers hope the Day of National Concern will inspire similar initiatives throughout Virginia and beyond. By reaching young people before violence occurs, they aim to foster a culture of respect, responsibility, and faith‑based stewardship of life.
The pledge events underscore the power of local action, faith, and family values in confronting a national issue. As Norfolk families and community leaders continue to work together, the hope is that such grassroots efforts will translate into lasting change for the city’s schools and neighborhoods.
Original reporting: WTKR News 3 (Scripps) – local — read the source article.
