Behind the Gun: Milwaukee gun owners safety summit

As part of the ongoing Behind the Gun series, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and community partners want to create a space for a fuller conversation about the realities of firearm ownership in the City of Milwaukee, particularly on the north side, with a goal of allowing gun owners and those interested in the issue to engage in an honest, open conversation and share best practices that contribute to increased safety. The event will include an information fair with community organizations hosting tables.

Our panel includes:

• Homer Blow, a music director and the host of his own online radio station, BlowRadio.com who actively advocates for issues affecting underserved communities.
• Michelle Bryant, host of ‘Say Something Real’ on WNOV 860 AM 106.5 FM. She is President of CMB Consulting & Associates, Bryant is a political strategist and a former chief of staff in the state Senate.
• Eddie Silas, co-owner of Prolific Arms, Director of Firearm Education, and Firearms Instructor focused on responsible ownership and firearms safety for children and adults.
• Kevin Simmons, a youth mentor and pastor who was shot and left for dead by a teenager to whom he was giving an Uber ride.

Co-sponsors include: Marquette University’s O’Brien Fellowship for Public Service Journalism, The Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge State of Wisconsin Inc., Advanced Safety Consultants, Amani United, Black Men Organizing Milwaukee, Blow Radio, Bridge Builders, Dominican Center, Metcalfe Park Bridges, Mothers Against Gun Violence Milwaukee, Prolific Arms, Sherman Park Neighborhood Association, WNOV and 414Life.

Info: Doors at Prince Hall will open at 9 a.m. We will have refreshments available and opportunity to visit information booths.

Info: The Journal Sentinel's John Diedrich and James Causey will host a panel discussion with four storytellers who will share their experiences with firearms.

Info: John Diedrich will convey audience questions to the panel.

Info: The formal program will end at 11:30. Often, the most fruitful conversations and connections come after events wrap. Stop by the information booths, chat with attendees and enjoy food and refreshments until 1.

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Host or Publisher Jim Fitzhenry