The Richmond Branch NAACP will bring its efforts to end gun violence to the places most affected in the city this Friday, during National Gun Violence Awareness Day, as they and over 15 city and community partners participate in a “Local Day Out.”

The civil rights group, alongside local officials, representatives from Richmond Public Schools, several churches and other organizations, will stage simultaneous events focused in over a dozen locations throughout the city that have been identified as “hot spots” of gun violence, including Mosby Court, the Belle Summit Apartments, Gilpin Court and Hillside Court.

Those involved in organizing these events will provide food, surveys and information resources for families in these areas from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., with the goal of raising awareness and soliciting public input on ways to improve the city and keep people safe.

“It’s always folks making decisions around a table, but they never include the community,” said Richmond Branch NAACP President James E. “J.J.” Minor III. “The idea is to meet people where they are and to not just talk about what’s going on but go to places where it’s happening.”

Following the events, the Richmond NAACP said community suggestions and data gathered will be presented to Richmond City Council and the NAACP will work to ensure action is taken.

Quarterly Local Day Out events are also being planned for the future, according to the association. For more information contact Minor at (804) 677-7340 or Richmond NAACP Political Action Chair Sandra Antione at (804) 690-9119.