PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, Md. — Congressman Glenn Ivey (D-MD) held his annual Prince George’s County Gun Violence Survivors Week Summit on Capitol Hill Friday.
Leaders, activists and gun violence survivors from across Maryland met to discuss ways to reduce gun violence. In schools, in the streets, and in their communities.
Isaac Esene, a product of Prince George’s County public schools and a keynote speaker, lost his friend to gun violence in 2017. He says the sudden loss left a lasting impact.
“Shortly, after graduating high school, a close friend of mine, Kelvin, was found shot and dead at our community library. A week after my friend was shot dead, I learned through the military, how to help people experiencing that type of trauma. The issue is, I never thought that relevance would be here in my own community.” Isaac Esene, Founder of GoodWorks, said.
After serving in the Military, Esene launched his nonprofit, “Good Works," teaching people the essential skills to save lives; skills he believes could have saved his friend seven years ago.The organization has trained more than 500 youth.
“We want people to be better bystanders -- learn about CPR, Narcan, tourniquets and things like that," Esene said. "It goes a long way."
On average, almost 800 people die by gun violence annually in Maryland. Over 1,400 people are wounded, according to data from Everytown for Gun Safety.
Rep. Ivey said the summit connects local leaders and community members with the right tools and resources to reduce gun violence and help those already affected by it.
“The work they do is inspiring, and we want to make sure we continue to join with them and coordinate with them," Ivey said. "We want to make sure we take full advantage of their skills, their commitment, and their ability.”
If you’re interested in the Good Works training, click here.