Anti-Gun Violence Leaders Lobby White House For Continued Support

By Robert J. Hansen | OBSERVER Staff Writer From left, gun violence prevention leader Freddie Dearborn, Deputy Director of the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention Gregory Jackson and Advance Peace CEO DeVone Boggan in Washington on June 12 for a meeting on reducing gun violence. Courtesy of Freddie Dearborn Experts in interrupting gun violence met in Washington on June 12 to reinforce the Biden administration’s commitment to funding programs that reduce gun violence. Advance Peace leaders from across the country met with the U.S. Office of Gun Violence Prevention, which is led by Vice President Kamala Harris, and its deputy director, Gregory Jackson. Advance Peace, an evidence-based gun violence interruption strategy that combines street outreach, case management, mental health support, employment support, and job training, operates in 16 cities nationally, 10 in California. This was the third trip to the White House for DeVone Boggan, founder and CEO of Advance Peace. The continuing dialogue has led to Advance Peace receiving federal resources to expand in cities such as Lansing, Michigan, and Orlando, Florida. Some of the California cities Advance Peace has expanded to include Vallejo, Antioch, and Fresno. The federal funds will help sustain Advance Peace’s efforts in...