(Photo by Ryan Holloway / Miami-Dade County)
Miami-Dade County Commission Chairwoman Audrey M. Edmonson presented a proclamation to the “Hunger Nine” at the May 7 County Commission meeting in recognition of their recent hunger strike to raise awareness about gun violence.
The hunger strike was conducted in March by nine members of the Circle of Brotherhood, whose members act as positive black male role models for at-risk youth. Their 21-day fast kicked off the County’s Group Violence Intervention program – a collaborative effort involving clergy, law enforcement, the County’s Juvenile Services Department and community organizations including the Circle of Brotherhood. The program, which was spearheaded by Chairwoman Edmonson, involves a “boots on the ground” approach, targeting young men with a criminal history in high crime areas.
“We will not tolerate any more of this senseless gun violence, and I stand in solidarity with the Hunger Nine and the rest of our partners as we work to bring peace to our neighborhoods, because the loss of one life to gun violence is one too many,” Chairwoman Edmonson said.
