Toronto Communities Stand Against Gun Violence, Finding Healing Amid Loss

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Community members gathered at Queen’s Park on Saturday, September 14, for a rally against gun violence, honoring victims and families while continuing the legacy of community leader Louis March, founder of the Zero Gun Violence Movement, who passed away in July 2024. The event marked the conclusion of the Peace March 2025, bringing together mothers, survivors, advocates, and community organizations to share stories, call for action, and highlight the importance of healing. The rally was not only a response to recent tragedies but a collective remembrance of all victims, including 8-year-old JahVai Roy, killed by a stray bullet in North York last month. His mother, Holly Roy, delivered a moving speech about her grief and the urgent need for community support. Gun violence disproportionately affects Black communities and other marginalized groups, including Indigenous residents, with deep social and emotional consequences for families. Youth in particular face heightened risks, as poverty, systemic barriers, and lack of employment opportunities compound the cycle of violence. While year-to-date Toronto police crime statistics show a decline in shootings and homicides—179 shootings compared to 303 during the same period in 2024—the human cost cannot be measured in numbers alone. Participants included Regent Park-based Mothers of Peace, Mending the Crack in the Sky, One by One Movement, Black Action Defense Committee, members of the Zero Gun Violence Movement, and City of Toronto representatives. Their message was clear: behind every bullet is a story, and communities must act together to prevent further loss. For Regent Park residents, a neighbourhood also heavily impacted by gun violence, the rally reinforced the importance of investing in youth programs, trauma-informed support, and community-driven initiatives. Addressing the root causes—poverty, unemployment, and lack of opportunity—remains essential if the cycle of violence is to be broken. RPTV was on the ground, capturing voices from the rally, sharing community reflections, and highlighting the urgent calls for change. RPTV was on the ground, capturing voices from the rally, sharing community reflections, and highlighting the urgent calls for change. 

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