A Q&A with Moms Demand Action Volunteer Quiana Agbai
How are you involved in the gun violence prevention movement?
As the Community Outreach Lead for the Boston local group of the Massachusetts chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, it’s important to me to seek out other organizations and key contacts in the community who are also working towards ending gun violence. I show up in person to support when I can, and I try to amplify what’s being done throughout the community on social media.
What are the events or people in your life that motivated your decision to be a part of the movement to end gun violence?
As a mom to a four and eight-year-old, I feel like once they were entering school the concern about gun violence became very personal to me. Prior to that, I had always been emotional hearing stories, but had never taken action. Also, moving to New Hampshire in 2014 during the election season really activated me as well as raising my awareness about gun violence.
Is there a moment in your gun violence prevention work that you’re particularly proud of?
I’m especially proud of the work we did together at the Massachusetts statehouse showing up in person to champion the Red Flag law.* I was thankful that it passed and was signed into law, but I know we mustn’t be complacent and keep working towards stronger gun safety laws.
*Red Flag Laws empower families and law enforcement to seek an Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO), a court order that will temporarily restrict a person’s access to firearms when they pose a risk of using them to harm themselves or others. Family members and law enforcement are often the first people to recognize warning signs that indicate someone might be a danger to themselves or others.
In 2019 and beyond, is there something you’re excited about in the gun violence prevention movement?
I’m looking forward to helping Moms Demand Action continue to collaborate with so many of the outstanding organizations already in the community during the work. I think it’s important that we work together to amplify each other’s efforts!
Is there anything else you’d like to share concerning your work with the gun violence prevention movement?
It’s so important to stay strong and not give up. Use your emotions to fuel your action!
