Two Speakers on Gun Violence Prevention

Gun Violence Prevention 

Upcoming Speaker Series at Southminster November 12 and 19

As you are aware, gun violence in our country has reached epidemic proportions. It is hard to watch the news any given day without hearing of more victims, many more and more close to home. The Presbyterian Church has long had a voice in gun violence prevention, and we encourage you to join this important conversation. Come hear two impactful stories this November, sponsored by the Southminster Social Justice Team. 

Ghida Neukirch, Sunday, November 12, 11:15-12:15  

The Highland Park Mass Shooting and Response

Ghida is the City Manager of Highland Park.  She will share what it was like to be present at the devastating Independence Day parade mass shooting in 2022 and how the village responded to this crisis over the ensuing months.  She will also provide helpful information on general public safety.

Leading in Crisis and Managing a Community After a Mass Shooting

Highland Park City Manager Ghida Neukirch served as Incident Commander managing the community’s response to the 2022 mass shooting during the City’s Independence Day parade. She will share the City’s response efforts; coordination with federal, state, county, local governments and community partners; on-going resiliency efforts; and how she balanced her professional demands with her personal life as she, her son and nephew were three minutes from the shooting site. Neukirch will also share public safety information and recommendations, and how “living in the yellow” is an important part of her life.

Mary Kay Baldino, Sunday, November 19, 11:15-12:15  

Mom’s Demand Action and Gun Violence Prevention

Mary Kay is part of the Arlington Heights chapter of Moms Demand Action, a national grassroots movement working to prevent gun violence that was founded after the Sandy Hook school shooting.  She will share surprising statistics as well as ways we can all make a difference in keeping people – especially our youth – safe from harm.