Greetings, my Dear Friends,

Early last month, Mothers Against Guns celebrated their “11^th Year Anniversary” with standing room only at the famous Antun’s Catering Hall in Queens Village , New York .  It was a proud day for this grass roots organization of mothers and others, as an all-star cast from the political arena, one by one came forward to praise MAG’s founder and president, Liz Bishop-Goldsmith for the formation of this great organization and her continued commitment in keeping guns off the streets, and out of the hands of our youth.

During the past eleven years, Bishop-Goldsmith and her supporters have been appealing to elected officials and the public seeking support to end the epidemic of gun violence.  Bishop-Goldsmith said “gun violence is not just a community, or national problem, it’s a global problem, and I intend to do all I can to bring world leaders to recognize that.  Its past time they say enough is enough.”

Bishop-Goldsmith said she had decided against holding a traditional “10^th Year Anniversary” because she was awaiting the passage of legislation that she presented to NYC Councilman James Sanders, Jr., less than three years ago.  Councilman Sanders was the prime sponsor of the legislation (INTRO 454) and worked endlessly until he successfully garnered enough support from his colleagues to present it to the Council for passage.  The legislation increases the age requirement from of an individual to apply for a permit to possess a shotgun or rifle to 21 years old.  Most significantly, it requires sellers of ammunition to collect identification and information from the buyer regarding the weapon for which the ammo will be used - caliber, make, model, serial number and the manufacturer’s name.  This, Bishop-Goldsmith said “is only common sense.”

This past January (January 5, 2005) the Bill was approved by the NYC Council, and signed into law by New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg on January 18, 2005.  Bishop-Goldsmith said, “although we hold annual events recognizing the victims and families of gun violence, this year I decided to recognize others who are also doing something to stop this horrible violent act.  The New York City Council, especially Councilman Sanders whom we are proud to call our Councilman, and Mayor Bloomberg have taken great steps in combating gun violence in our city, and hopefully, other common sense legislators in this great nation will do the same.”

Mayor Bloomberg was presented with a plaque from Mothers Against Guns for his “leadership in the fight against guns violence.”  Bishop-Goldsmith also presented a plaque to former Mayor David Dinkins (not present due to a former committment) for his great contribution to New York for implementing the "Safe Streets, Safe City Program."  Others including elected officials, family members and victims were honored with certificates for their continuing battle against this horrible and cruel act.  Bishop-Goldsmith told the audience that the symbol on the plaque was the “praying hands,” noting that “we all need prayer.”  Mayor Bloomberg, turning to Bishop-Goldsmith said, “ Elizabeth , I am glad that you started this organization.  It is up to the rest of us to make sure that we help you and that we all continue the battle.  We should not stop until we get every illegal gun off the street.  If you don’t, and turn your head and say it is not my problem, unfortunately it is your problem, and it may come home to roost in your family.  We are all in this together,” the Mayor concluded to a loud round of applause. 

(Left to right: NYC Councilman Sanders, NYC                                    (Bishop-Goldsmith presents awards to

Mayor Bloomberg, Liz Bishop-Goldsmith                                               honoree’s)

Sallie Bennett)

Speaker after speaker; City Council Speaker Clifford Miller, Manhattan Borough President C. Virginia Fields, Congressman Gregory Meeks, Congressman Anthony Weiner, State Senator Malcolm Smith, City Council Majority Whip Leroy Comrie, MAG Chairperson (England) Lucy Cope, Thelma Davis (mother of slain former Councilman James Davis), Geoffrey Davis (James Davis’ brother), Andy Pelosi (New Yorkers Against Gun Violence), Connie Mizzelle (Jam Master Jay’s mother) all spoke of the organizations impact on reducing gun violence and offering their support. 

Prior to the introduction of Mayor Bloomberg, Councilman Sanders said  “on the issue of gun violence, of young people being shot in the street, or people using guns in an irresponsible fashion, the Mayor and the City Council see eye to eye.” 

Mothers Against Guns is currently seeking a facility that will house their "National Headquarters, and their after school program "B.U.L.L.E.T."  (Believers, United, Learning, Loving, and Enduring Together)  The past few years the organization was housed on 227th Street and Linden Boulevard; however, due to the a leaky roof and structural problems, the organization had to vacate the premises.  "Bishop-Goldsmith said " this is a much needed program in our communities that will surely make a difference in all our lives, and provide quality time to our youth when they are out of school." 

For more information about MAG, and to purchase our "11th Year Anniversary Journal" please call (718) 276-5802.

 Virginia Fields, Dorita Clarke)