Community Honors Dr. King's Legacy and Combats Gun Violence

People gathered to support ways to reduce gun violence and remember the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at a Saturday event in Birmingham.

The Community Affairs Committee (CAC) organized both a gun buyback event and a community walk at New Hope Baptist Church on Cleburne Avenue.

Event Details

• Date: Saturday, January 18
• Location: New Hope Baptist Church, Cleburne Avenue, Birmingham
• Organizers: Community Affairs Committee
• Activities: Gun buyback and community walk
• Special Guests: Jefferson County Sheriff Mark Pettway
• Eligibility: Open to community members with unwanted firearms

Context

Members of the committee emphasized that the purpose of the walk was to implement a safety initiative supporting people in reducing gun violence, not impede gun ownership rights. The event's timing coincided with efforts to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy of nonviolence and community service.

Community Impact

The dual focus on violence reduction and commemorating Dr. King's legacy reflects the Birmingham CAC's commitment to addressing public safety while honoring civil rights history. Jefferson County Sheriff Mark Pettway's attendance also demonstrated local law enforcement support for the community-led initiative.