Jean Corbett-Parker, 58; and Jackie Rowe-Adams, 58; know what they are talking about, as each has lost one or more of their children to gun violence.  Their goal for Harlem Mothers S.A.V.E. is to prevent another parent from experiencing the suffering they’ve endured.

“We need to put faces on the victims of gun violence,” said Ms. Corbett-Parker. “The community needs to know, up close and personal, how the senseless murder of one child impacts not only the immediate family, but all of Harlem.  Too often, it is the best and brightest who are being taken away from us – and who will replace them?”

Last year, 41 people were killed in the three police precincts that cover Harlem. This 2006 statistic is more than double the 19  killed there in 2005. In an attempt to turn this dire situation around, Harlem Mothers S.A.V.E. focuses on three main areas:  activism, victim services and education. They have compiled a list of stores, bodegas, and nail and hair salons in Harlem which they suspect of trafficking in the illegal sales of guns. 

“One of our goals at Harlem Mothers S.A.V.E. is to let families know about where and how these guns are getting to our children,” said Ms. Rowe-Adams.  “Many parents are still surprised about where kids can get them, but bodegas, certain housing projects and city parks have all been identified as locations where gun sales take place.”

They believe deterrence can come through legislation. So, with the cooperation of New York State Assemblyman Keith Wright (70th A.D. – Harlem), Harlem Mothers S.A.V.E. is supporting the sponsorship of tough new laws that would severely punish those who sell guns illegally out of licensed businesses, or allow others to do so within their business. This proposed legislation would provide a lifetime ban on all state and city licenses for those who allow such activities to take place.

“Many times, owners will plead ignorance, claiming they have no knowledge of illegal activity. Because this new legislation would allow for the possibility of permanent license revocation, it would compel gun shop owners to make sure such activities do not take place in their place of business,” Assemblyman Wright said.

“For more years than I can remember, Harlem has been a prime locale for gun dealers to set up shop. This puts our children at a supreme disadvantage when it comes to avoiding gun violence and avoiding guns in general,” he elaborated. “We are going to change this situation with community involvement, thanks to the Harlem Mothers S.A.V.E.”

Education is central to the organization’s efforts. The mothers hope to disavow children from their mistaken thinking that guns can be used to intimidate or settle an argument. Working alongside members of the New York Police Department, the mothers are organizing educational forums at Harlem’s junior and senior high schools – all with the goal of convince young people that guns are not “cool.” 

Members of Harlem Mothers SAVE have already convened several well-attended town meetings in Harlem, to get their anti-gun message out to a wider audience. It is simply by sharing their own stories, though, that these women offer the most powerful message of all.

“My first son got killed because he looked at someone. That’s what happens in this world,” said Ms. Rowe-Adams. “I didn’t laugh or smile for a year.”

It is the hope and prayer of Harlem Mothers S.A.V.E. that their efforts will prevent another parent from having to endure such a terrible loss.