In communities across the country, the conversation around gun violence often begins after tragedy strikes. In Hope Mills, local leaders and residents are hoping to change that narrative through awareness, education, and unity.
The 3rd Annual Gun Violence Awareness Walk, organized by Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, Tau Epsilon Zeta Chapter in partnership with the Town of Hope Mills and local law enforcement, will bring residents together on June 6 at 9 a.m. for a community-driven effort focused on remembrance, prevention and healing. The walk will take place at the Hope Mills Recreation Center at 5766 Rockfish Rd. For members of Tau Epsilon Zeta, the initiative is deeply personal.
“Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, Tau Epsilon Zeta Chapter is an action-oriented organization committed to creating positive change, raising awareness, and fostering a greater sense of humanity,” said Erika L. Burns, MLS, Social Engagement Chair for the Tau Epsilon Zeta Chapter. “We believe that meaningful change begins within our community.”
That belief has become the driving force behind the annual walk, which was created in response to the growing number of lives affected by gun violence, particularly among young people.
“As a chapter, we have recognized the alarming number of individuals, especially children, who are affected by gun violence in our community,” Burns said. “In response, we have partnered with the Town of Hope Mills, law enforcement officers and community members to organize a community walk.”
The event is designed to do more than simply acknowledge the issue. Organizers say the walk is intended to educate the public on gun safety, honor victims and encourage conversations that can lead to long-term solutions. Gun violence continues to leave lasting scars on families and neighborhoods throughout North Carolina and beyond. While headlines often focus on statistics, organizers say the walk is about the people behind those numbers, the parents, classmates, friends, and communities left grieving in the aftermath of violence.
“Gun violence impacts us all; we each know someone who has been affected,” Burns said. “Together, we can make a difference.”
Participants will walk not only in solidarity, but also in reflection. Burns pointed to research showing that walking can improve neural connections and create opportunities for meaningful conversation. The event will also focus heavily on prevention through education. Community members will receive information about responsible firearm storage and organizations that provide training on safe gun handling and ownership.
“We want participants to leave knowing that change begins with a single decision,” Burns said. “One decision to practice gun safety in their household, one decision to talk with their family about gun violence, and one decision to keep guns out of the hands of those who are not responsible enough to use them appropriately.”
The chapter emphasized that ending gun violence requires collective responsibility, not just from lawmakers or law enforcement, but from families, neighbors, and community members themselves.
“We believe we have the power to end gun violence; however, everyone must understand that they play a part in creating that change,” Burns said.
For Tau Epsilon Zeta, the annual walk has become both a call to action and a space for healing. Each year, the event has unfolded against the backdrop of fresh grief within the community. This year is no exception.
“In recent years, our walk has often taken place during times when our community is mourning the loss of a young person to gun violence,” Burns said. “Sadly, this year is no different.”
The organization shared that its thoughts and prayers are currently with the family of a local high school student who recently lost her life to gun violence, a tragedy that has once again shaken the community. Moments like these reinforce why the event continues to grow.
“Powerful things happen when a community comes together around a common cause,” Burns said. “Each year, we look forward to more community members and organizations joining us in the effort to end gun violence.”
While the issue itself can feel overwhelming, organizers hope the walk reminds residents that progress often begins with ordinary people choosing to stand together.
“We look forward to the day when we can walk in victory,” Burns said, “knowing that our efforts were not in vain and that, together as a community, we helped bring an end to gun violence.”
The 3rd Annual Gun Violence Awareness Walk will take place on June 6 at 9 a.m. in Hope Mills. Community members of all ages are encouraged to attend and participate in the effort to raise awareness, promote safety and honor lives impacted by gun violence. For additional information, contact Erika L. Burns, MLS, Social Engagement Chair for Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, Tau Epsilon Zeta Chapter, at tezengaged@gmail.com.