Marching for a better tomorrow

On Wednesday, I had the profound honor of participating in a community walk around Hillcrest Park in Clovis in memory of Marcos Ramirez - a young man whose life was tragically cut short due to gun violence.

At just 26 years old, Marcos fell victim to a senseless act perpetrated by four juveniles who police say attempted to rob him.

His loss resonates not only within his family but also within our entire community, forever altering the lives of at least five families, including the boys' families.

The day began with an overwhelming sense of unity as over 150 friends, family members and community supporters gathered to raise awareness of gun violence.

We carried signs honoring our loved ones and chanted powerful phrases, including  #StopGunViolence and #JusticeForMarcos.

In that moment, I felt a surge of hope amidst the grief.

Nothing could compare to the strength and energy we displayed together, embodying a collective resolve to give victims like Marcos a voice. Amidst tragedy, there is always an opportunity for growth and change.

As I looked around at the faces of those marching with me, I saw a community ready to stand together for a better tomorrow. We are individuals who may have faced challenges in our lives, yet we are committed to being part of the solution - a stark contrast to the narrative painted by those who criticize or disparage our willingness to act.

As I walked, my heart ached not only for Marcos but also for the negative comments that surfaced on local social media posts about our gathering. It's disheartening to see division instead of unity during such a critical time.

I found myself thinking, "Now is not the time to point fingers. Now is the time for healing." In the words of Albert Einstein, "The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results."

This resonates deeply with me, reminding us that we must choose a different path. Here are a few steps we can take as a community:

n Establish open dialogues with local authorities to discuss safety measures and intervention strategies.

n Organize charity events to raise awareness and funds aimed at preventing gun violence.

n Foster kindness and empathy in our interactions, especially toward those who may be struggling, as it can significantly impact their lives.

As we walked, it became clear that our community is at a crossroads. We face a choice: Do we fight fire with fire or extend our hands to each other, choosing to channel our grief into reasoned action?

The answer is obvious; we must come together for a common cause. This tragic event has stirred a vital conversation in our town - one that will not be silenced or ignored.

We recognize that change begins with us. It's easy to settle into complacency, but we must push against that inertia.

Let's not allow our shared sorrow to fracture us further. Instead, let's unify for change.

We must extend our voices to advocate for safer streets and become active participants in our community's future.

People like Marcos deserve justice not just for themselves but as a symbol of hope for all gun violence victims.

Together, let us be the change we wish to see. The time for action is now; let's stand united and turn our pain into purpose.

Christine Gallegos is a Clovis native and longtime family friend of Marcos Ramirez.