Flyer for the Queens Concert Across America to End Gun Violence
Sept. 22, 2017 by Nathaly Pesantez
Long Island City is set to join a worldwide concert and live event series with a focus on ending gun violence this weekend.
The Queens Concert Across America to End Gun Violence will take place on Sept. 24 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the John Brown Smokehouse at 10-43 44th Drive. The event will feature performances by six musicians and groups including RoseAnn Fino, the garage-pop band Amoeba Earhart, and John Brown All Stars, a blues band.
Over 180 cities are participating in the event nationwide, along with several cities outside the U.S. in places like Canada, France, and Barbados. The 2017 series marks the first time Queens will be participating.
Andy Aujla, vice president of the Powhatan Democratic club and the event’s main organizer, said that there were hundreds of events held across the country and the world last year, but Queens was host to none of them.
“I really wanted to rally people in Queens,” Aujla said. “Gun violence isn’t something that should divide us.”
The Long Island City event has a long list of sponsors including the Powhatan Democratic Club, Hearts Across Queens, Black Lives Matter of Greater New York, and 696 Build Queensbridge. The event has also received support from Congressman Joe Crowley and Councilmembers Jimmy Van Bramer and Costa Constantinides, along with other Queens politicians.
The event is free and open to the public, and a suggestion donation of $10 is listed, with about 95 percent of the proceeds going to Jacob A. Riis Neighborhood Settlement, a social services group, and the non-profit New Yorkers against Gun Violence.
The first annual Concert Across America to End Gun Violence took place in 2007 after Congress named Sept. 25 as the National Day of Remembrance for Murder Victims. This year will see musical events on the 24th, and a Day of Action on the 25th.
For more information, visit the Facebook page for the event.
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What you resist will persist. Mother Teresa knew to avoid anti war protests. She only attended Pro Peace gatherings.
“I was once asked why I don’t participate in anti-war demonstrations. I said that I will never do that, but as soon as you have a pro-peace rally, I’ll be there.” – Momma T