Minneapolis moms walk for safety amid ‘horrific’ local, national shootings

Mothers Against Community Gun Violence (MACGV) hit the trail Saturday morning for its fifth Peace Walk for Change as a NOT ON MY BLOCK walkathon at Lake Nokomis.

MACGV started NOT ON MY BLOCK as its 2022 public safety initiative “in light of the recent horrific local and national shootings.”

“We believe it is more important than ever that we all come together and show solidarity in support of safety solutions,” the organization wrote before the event.

This year’s theme hits home for many families and is a continuation of efforts MACGV has taken since its creation in 2020.

“The walkathon is dedicated to my daughter, Nia Black,” said LaTanya Black, founder of MACGV. “My daughter was a college student, mentor and entrepreneur. Her life was taken by a horrific act of gun violence.”

In 2020, at age 23, Nia Black was shot and killed inside a car leaving the Lamplighter Lounge parking lot in St. Paul.

“Advocacy gives me life because I died that night, and the only thing that keeps resuscitating me is to keep breathing for her,” LaTanya Black said.

This year’s walkathon is meant to honor the lives of those lost to gun violence, celebrate gun violence survivors and raise awareness and funding for the issue.

5 EYEWITNESS NEWS reporter Kelsey Christensen reported from the event that several other families are walking for their children who were shot and killed.

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan were also spotted in attendance.

More information about MACGV services and programs can be found here.