Forum on Gun Violence Searches for Answers

“Gun Violence Prevention: Listen to Our Plans for Change,” a forum dedicated to examining the root causes of gun violence and exploring sensible solutions, will take place at Rhode Island College in Sapinsley Hall on Nov. 14, 2022 at 5:30 p.m. 

Co-sponsored by the American Democracy Project at Rhode Island College and RIC Civic Engagement, the free event will feature an opening reception for informal conversation; a panel discussion; and a special choral performance and fundraiser for Miya’s Voice, in memory of Miya Brophy-Baermann, the late daughter of RIC Associate Professor of Political Science Michelle Brophy-Baermann who was killed as an innocent bystander during a 2021 drive-by shooting in Providence.

Through the Miya’s Voice fund, scholarships will forever be awarded in Miya’s name to students pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees in the field of communicative disorders (speech-language pathology and audiology) at Rhode Island College and the University of Rhode Island, with preference to students traditionally underrepresented in the profession.

Amanda Milkovits, a staff writer for the Boston Globe’s office that covers Rhode Island, will moderate the discussion titled “Where Do We Go From Here?” Panelists include Diana Garlington, membership lead volunteer with Moms Demand Action and board secretary of the Rhode Island Coalition Against Gun Violence; Timothy McGann, detective sergeant in the Providence Police Department; Sydney Montstream-Quas, MSPH board chair of the RI Coalition Against Gun Violence; Lisa Pina-Warren, director of intervention services for the Nonviolence Institute; and Marcia Ranglin-Vassell, R.I. state representative for House District 5 and Rhode Island public school teacher.

While the event is free and open to the public, attendees are encouraged to register here. For further information, contact RIC Associate Professor of Communication Valerie Endress at vendress@ric.edu.