Hope

PLUS: Remembering Sarah Brady, Celebrating Black History Month, and more >>>

Dear Friend,   It's difficult not to feel overwhelmed and fatigued during times like this. But we at Brady, the nation's oldest gun violence prevention organization, want you to know that we will never stop fighting to make this the safer country we all deserve.    We are making real, life-saving progress in statehouses across the country — and we want to share some good news with you, friend.   In Colorado, we helped advance a bill through the state Senate that will help to strengthen and enforce the state's ban on high-capacity magazines. High-capacity magazines were used multiple times in some of Colorado's deadliest shootings, like the shootings at an Aurora moving theater, Club-Q in Colorado Springs, and a King Soopers supermarket in Boulder. But this life-saving legislation gives us hope that Colorado will finally be able to enforce a ban on these deadly devices that are known to increase the lethality of mass shootings. This crucial legislation in Colorado advanced in large part because of Brady, Team ENOUGH, and Colorado advocates.  In Washington State, THREE bills were advanced out of committee that will mandate secure firearm storage, prohibit the bulk purchasing of firearms, and require a permit to purchase firearms. These are evidence-based approaches that will reduce unintentional shootings, gun trafficking, and firearm suicide — issues that are plaguing the state.    In Virginia, a historic 28 gun violence prevention bills passed out of the state House and Senate, getting one step closer to the Governor's desk. Among other life-saving policies, these bills will ban deadly ghost guns and assault weapons, mandate secure firearm storage, and create the Virginia Center for Firearm Violence.   These victories, friend, serve as a reminder that regardless of who is in the White House or who controls Congress, we CAN win big at the state and local levels and help curb this epidemic. We are winning. We are saving lives.    You have our word that we'll keep fighting for a future free from gun violence — but we can't do this work alone, friend. Will you consider supporting Brady today? Your gift will bolster our important efforts to pass strong gun laws in states nationwide.  SUPPORT BRADY >>> In solidarity, Team Brady   Celebrating Black History Month In honor of Black History Month, we're proud to feature Brenda Haymon, Brady's senior director of human resources and operations and a gun violence survivor. Brenda is a shining example of what it means to turn pain into purpose.    On Easter Sunday in 2017, Brenda's father, Robert Godwin Sr., went out to collect cans in the Glenville neighborhood of Cleveland, OH. Shortly after beginning his routine walk home, Robert was confronted, shot, and killed by a stranger. Compounding the senseless horror, the shooter live-streamed the incident on Facebook. Brenda and her father, Robert Godwin Sr. Years later, Brenda joined Brady, and since then, she has used her voice to help prevent what devastated her family, raising awareness about gun violence in America. We are forever grateful for Brenda's work with Brady and for her guidance, leadership, and care.   In honor of her father and family, join us today in listening to our podcast episode, "On Survivors Surviving," where Brenda and her sisters talk about their experiences with grief and trauma. LISTEN NOW >>> Remembering Our Namesake Sarah Brady We're celebrating Sarah Brady — our organization's namesake — who would have turned 83 years old this week.   Sarah dedicated her life to saving others after her husband, Jim Brady, was shot in the head and nearly killed during the assassination attempt of President Ronald Reagan. She fought for years, not resting until she and Jim beat the NRA and helped pass the landmark Brady Bill, establishing our nation's first background check system for gun sales, and a ban on assault weapons and large-capacity magazines.    We know that Sarah — someone who was not afraid to speak truth to power — would have rung the alarms this week as Kash Patel went before the U.S. Senate as President Trump's pick to lead the FBI.    Sarah dedicated her life to establishing the Brady Background Check System. Patel, who would be in charge of that very system as FBI director, has voiced his opposition to even the most common-sense gun regulations and has threatened to shut down the FBI entirely. If he did, it would undermine Brady Background Checks and leave the system responsible for stopping 5 million prohibited firearms sales completely impaired.   We refuse to let this happen, friend. In honor of Sarah's life, please join us in protecting the Brady Background Check system and calling on your senators to OPPOSE Kash Patel's nominee to lead the FBI. TAKE ACTION >>> Calling California Activists: You're Invited to Brady's "Building A Future Without Gun Violence" Conference You're invited to Brady's second annual "Building A Future Without Gun Violence" conference in California — and we'd love to see you there, friend.   You'll join community leaders, front-line stakeholders, and local advocates to learn about equitable, data-driven approaches to reduce the flow of crime guns in California, while also focusing on healing and wellness.    Wednesday, March 19, 2025 8:30 a.m. — 4 p.m. Los Angeles, CA Keynote speakers: Former Stockton Mayor Michael D. Tubbs and Executive Director of Cities United Anthony D. Smith.   During our conference, we'll discuss ways we can work to address the supply of firearms funneled into our communities. You'll learn about ways to identify members of the gun industry contributing to crime guns in our neighborhoods and brainstorm how to use this information to improve public safety in your community.   Are you in? RSVP today! RSVP >>>   LAST CHANCE: Urge Youth to Apply for the Team ENOUGH Youth Advocacy Training Program! There are only two days left for young people in Florida, California, or Washington D.C. to apply to the Team ENOUGH Youth Advocacy Training Program. Our program is the only national, youth-led group that trains and mobilizes young people to meet with lawmakers and push for critical gun violence prevention measures.    Do you know a young person ready to challenge the status quo and make a difference? Share this opportunity and encourage them to apply today! SHARE THE APPLICATION >>> Applications close on Monday, February 10, 2025 Youth in the United States, Uniquely Burdened by the Threat of Gun Violence, Are Pushed to Action, Black News and Views   Self-Manufactured Guns a Rising Trend in the Tri-State, Data Shows, Fox 19 Now   Brady Responds to President Trump's Plans to Use Tariffs and Troops to Address Immigration; Urges Attention on U.S. Gun Trafficking, Brady 224: Deadly Consequences of a "Shoot-First" America, Brady Podcast SHARE ON BLUESKY >>>   Brady 840 First Street, NE Suite 400 Washington, DC 20002 United States   unsubscribe.