In response to an increase of crimes involving firearms in schools, public and federal buildings and neighborhoods across America, the Atlanta branch of the NAACP is taking measures to help end the violence on a local level.

Project Rescue Atlanta, a committee of the Atlanta Branch of the NAACP, will hold an awareness rally in John Howell Park on Saturday to support a gun buyback event taking place in November. Public speakers, media interviews and other presentations will begin at 1:30pm.

The group is encouraging concerned residents of Georgia to show their support to end gun violence. Free food and entertainment will be provided and a host of public figures will share their concerns about gun violence in Atlanta.

No firearms will be collected at this time.

Financial donations can be made online at NAACPAtlanta.org or at the branch office, located at 100 Edgewood Ave; Suite 1080, SW; Atlanta, GA 30303 until the gun buyback event takes place in November. Churches are being asked to raise an offering and corporate donations to help end gun violence in Atlanta are also welcome.

During the gun buyback event, a local sheriff and police department will work with the NAACP Atlanta branch to make sure no laws are violated and the guns will be handled by the legal community after procured. The NAACP will administer the actual buyback.

Expected participants in the citywide effort include Rev. Dr. R.L. White, Atlanta NAACP President and Senior Pastor of Mt. Ephraim Baptist Church; Stephanie Johnson, Project Rescue Chairperson (Atlanta NAACP); members of the Executive Committee of the NAACP and members of Project Rescue Atlanta task force; Atlanta Religious Leaders; and community organizations including: Atlanta Police Department, Fulton County Sheriff Department, PADV (Partnership Against Domestic Violence), Men Stopping Violence Organization, Wells of Wholeness and Atlanta Victim Assistance.

According to a statement announcing the event, the Atlanta Chapter of the NAACP’s goal is to assist with the removal of illegal firearms from Atlanta residents, and legally owned firearms from those who intend to harm others illegally, or themselves (suicide). Parents have expressed concerns that their children may find guns and mistakenly discharge them. As a result, Project Rescue Atlanta also encourages Georgia residents to turn in firearms if they cannot securely lock them away from children. According to an article in the NY Daily News, more than 40 children have been killed by firearms not properly locked away since the Sandy Hook Elementary incident in Newtown, CT.

For additional information please contact the Branch office at 404-524-0580.