By Cheryl Mattox Berry
“In politics, if you want anything said, ask a man; if you want anything done, ask a woman.” – Margaret Thatcher
Ladies, enough with the talk, tears and hand-wringing. it’s time we took the lead in getting guns out of our cars, houses and communities. I’m sick and tired of watching videos of senseless killings at schools, in front yards and during police confrontations.
As women, we know how to get things done when the odds are stacked against us. We gather our sistah-friends, start a dialogue and then take it to our church, sorority and other organizations. After the movement gains steam, we turn to lawmakers and law enforcement to rectify the problem.
First, we must disavow ourselves and loved ones of the notion that guns are needed for protection. That could be a tough sell in drug-riddled and gang-infested neighborhoods, but keep in mind that the drug dealers and gangs usually shoot at each other.
When their bullets go awry and hit an innocent bystander, the gun locked away in your closet is useless. Getting guns off the streets, however, would increase your chances of survival in that same neighborhood during a fight between gangs.
I know, the National Rifle Association is a powerful lobby and beats back any attempts at gun control. We have to put a face on those fatal bullets to make our narrative more compelling, and unfortunately, there are plenty of names to choose from.
The stories of mothers whose children have been killed and women who must raise children alone because the fathers have been gunned down must be told to convince our leaders to do something. NOW.
There are some foundations and organizations that are addressing the problem, such as Moms Demand Action which has chapters in each state, but they need more women to join the cause.
We need to address this issue with the same tenacity that black Americans did to gain their civil rights and like women who fought for voting rights. We can’t afford to lose any more children and black men. It’s time to RISE UP!