Department of Philosophy to Host Community Discussion on Gun Violence

Firearms are the leading cause of death for children and teens in South Carolina and in the United States.

On Sunday, May 7, 2023, from 2-5 p.m. at the Wells Fargo Auditorium at the College of Charleston, leaders from different political persuasions, elected officials and the public will come together to discuss community-generated proposals to reduce gun violence in the Palmetto State.

Founded in 2019 by local activist Butch Kennedy, the Tri-County Gun Violence Coordinating Council (GVCC), a gun-violence prevention group based in North Charleston, works with members of the community to galvanize every possible resource to prevent, intervene, investigate and suppress gun violence. Philosophy professor Jennifer Baker has been working with the GVCC and conducting forums to help elevate the conversations and solutions.

“The previous forums, where the ideas being presented this Sunday were generated, included hearing from decision-makers, gun owners, and also victims of gun violence, so the ideas that have been generated have come from a really special mix of perspectives,” says Baker. “It’s been amazing to see a community come together and try to solve a problem like this.”

Sponsored by the College of Charleston’s Department of Philosophy and the GVCC, the event on May 7 will include speakers such as Dr. Ashley Hink, of the Medical University of South Carolina’s Department of Surgery, Division of Trauma, Burn & Surgical Critical Care and medical director of MUSC’s Turning the Tide Violence Intervention Program, RezSaun Lewis, executive director of Lowcountry Youth Services, Krystle Mathews, former South Carolina state representative, and other local leaders. The event is free and open to the public.