Updated miamitimesonline.com
While raising awareness about gun violence during a roundtable hosted by Mothers Fighting For Justice on Monday, some participants acknowledged the significant hurdles in their way.
Led by local activist and Mothers Fighting For Justice founder Romania Dukes, members of the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office, Homestead Police Department, Miami-Dade County Public Schools and several advocacy groups gathered at the Goulds Park Community Center to address recent gun deaths and gang activity.
“Let’s do the right thing,” said Dukes to her colleagues. “Let’s work together. Let’s work for our community. Let’s work beside law enforcement.”
Miami-Dade County reported 16 homicides from January through April — a 20% decrease from the same period last year — while overall violent crime dropped a little over 16%. Still, gun violence remains a persistent concern in the community.
Dukes seeks to push back against the “code of silence” that prevents people from reporting on said violent offenses out of fear of being labelled “snitches,” and hosts monthly meetings with her associates to find solutions.
The roundtable’s organizers considered bringing those meetings to schools to better reach students and parents, but concerns raised during the discussion highlighted difficulties in making that possible.
Dukes, while in agreement with the idea of bringing greater community attention to gun violence through open discussion, stressed the need for every group present to do their part.
“I’ve had experience with a lot of organizations not doing what they say they’re gonna do, and you all know I will call you out on it,” said Dukes. “Just have some sympathy about it, and not let this be just a job.”
She says some organizations that have not followed through on necessary parental referrals were present at the meeting, but declined to name them.
Luisa Santos, the school board representative for District 9, argued that a rule enforced by the Florida State Board of Education is stopping important conversations in schools before they can start.
Enacted in 2023, the rule mandates that school districts statewide obtain parental consent for any activities taking place outside the classroom.