A coalition of organizations, elected officials, ranks from the NYPD 69th Precinct, and residents, on March 10, held a press conference outside Richard’s Bar and Grill, on Ave. L in Canarsie, Brooklyn, to highlight ongoing gun violence after a mass shooting outside the Jamaican-owned establishment that left four patrons injured.
Chants of stop the violence, enough is enough, black power, black pride, push for peace, were heard from the crowd that demanded more funding and resources, to end the scourge that continues to plague neighborhoods in Brooklyn.
Public Advocate Jumaane Williams thanked community leader Jibreel Jalloh, Andre T. Mitchell, founder & CEO of Man Up Incorporated, Assembly Member Jamie Williams, and crisis management teams, “for bringing us together.”
He said support groups are collectively making a difference to end gun violence, many from Brooklyn communities.
Williams alluded to the media’s negative chatter that downplays community activism to end gun violence. He hopes that outlets take note of the large gathering outside Richard’s restaurant. He applauded Brooklyn for having the safest summer in 2025. Williams said this moment in time should be celebrated.
“But this data means nothing to the people who were shot, and family members who have lost loved ones.”
“We must do all we can to stop gun violence, which is preventable. Trauma is associated with just being shot. Trauma for victims, their families, and communities. You should be able to come outside, have a good time, and not be shot, period, exclaimed Williams. He thanked community groups for providing dedicated services to Canarsie and other areas.
He called for more services and connectivity, noting that, by working together, “we can stop gun violence. I want to lift up our law enforcement for doing their job, but they alone cannot stop gun violence. Police alone cannot simply arrest the children of the people who were arrested twenty years ago. This will not solve the problem.”
“I don’t want any more of these press conferences, but we know we will have them. But it behooves us not to accept that, so I am calling on the city and state as we go through a budget process, to remember Canarsie,” said the politician.
“Let us all work together, we need funding and structure,” said Williams, who assures that gun violence would end if those two measures were in place. We care. “Let’s remember those victims who are living, and those who are not,” added Williams.
“Our job is to raise awareness and get people involved in the work we are doing, from a political, religious, business, and community standpoint,” said Anthony E. Mitchell, reiterating, that people must get involved to ensure “things like this never happen again.”
“This is not a reflection of the beautiful Canarsie community. The hard-working men and women, boys and girls, are outstanding. Canarsie is one of Brooklyn’s best. The work we are all committed to is to re-commit, so these sorts of things do not set the trend for the spring season. When the weather gets better, people will come outside and enjoy themselves. But we often worry if the day will end peacefully.”
“Man Up Inc. is one of the few organizations that is working within Canarsie, Brooklyn. We also work alongside Enough is Enough,” said Mitchell.
The organization also provides services in East Flatbush, Brownsville, East New York, and Bedford Stuyvesant. It is focused on making sure Brooklyn remains one of the safest big boroughs. Mitchell said Man Up Inc. operates five days a week, with an eight-hour shift.
“My heart goes out to the victims and the proprietor. It is hard enough having to run a business in the city, and then having to face gun violence at the same time. It is very unfortunate,” said organizer Jibreel Jalloh, who shared that the business owner celebrated eight years providing service to the community.
“We are in a fragile time, and we cannot allow this to happen. Of course, first and foremost, we’ve got to think about the price and the cost of losing a life. But after a bullet leaves the chamber and hits patrons, we must think about their family and the ongoing effect.”
“Residents have texted me to say it’s unsafe to walk about Canarsie. We’re not just here today, 48 hours after the shooting, we must also think about the long-term effect in our community, said Jalloh, who called on the gathering to repeat the names of young men who were shot in Brooklyn communities.
Jalloh acknowledged mothers present who spoke of losing sons to gun violence. Another youth was shot in Bayview Houses on Rockaway Parkway, just two days after the Avenue L incident.
Thanks to everyone who came out this afternoon for this cause. My heart is with the victims, the families, and the business owners who work every day, seven days a week, trying to earn an honest dollar. I believe the investment is already here because all of us are here, said Assembly Member (AD59) Jamie Williams.
The politician questioned whether the shooting could have been prevented at 5 a.m., noting that bad characters will do bad things, even while living in the same community, traversed by families who depend on businesses in the area.
“This was a senseless act of violence that is being addressed on a state level. “Assembly Member Waterman, Senator Roxanne Persaud, and I are working tirelessly to bring funding to our community.”
“Just last year, we had a ribbon cutting on E 80th St. and Flatlands, where the Enough is Enough office is located. Canarsie High School offers after-school programs that provide meals, counseling, and sports activities,” she said.
“We must take back our community. It is unacceptable to carry a gun. I want to thank everyone for coming together as we continue the fight against gun violence, and stand strong for our survivors, for our mothers, our brothers, and sisters,” said the legislator.
“We are proving that violence prevention groups such as Elite Learners Inc, Man Up Inc, SOS, BTM, and all the groups here are making a difference. We have proven we can make New York City one of the safest cities in history. But what we need is support,” said Founder and Executive Director of Elite Learners, Camille Johnson. She added that community groups need continuous investment in businesses and in themselves, because the work they do is also a business.
“No, we can’t prevent gun violence in its totality. But you can’t tell me that we’re not going to make them think twice about pulling out a gun when we’re in the building. You’re going to think twice when you see the orange van, the bright yellow jackets, and all the equipment we carry,” said Jackson, referring to crime prevention groups who patrol neighborhoods.
NY State Senator Roxanne Persaud’s Chief of Staff, Tanequa Strong, said the legislator is intentional and making sure legislation is curated to prevent this from happening again.
“Often we come together, and it is beautiful. But it’s unfortunate that we must come together for something like this. Senator Persaud always says you deserve to be served. It’s important that we stand united and serve each other. We must teach the next generation values and morals so they can pass them on. Know that she stands with you all,” said Strong.
Representatives from Save Our Streets (SOS), Project Echo, Switching Lifestylez, Brownsville Think Tank Matters, Executive Director of HES Community Center Moshit Rivkin, Captain Sashanna Wynter, Commanding Officer of the 69th, and others participated.
