Culver 878 Wins Honors for Community Action with Women Against Gun Violence

The leaders of Culver 878 were among those honored at the 30th Anniversary of Women Against Gun Violence. The Culver 878 volunteers were applauded by WAGV for their efforts at an event at the Taglyan Cultural Complex in Hollywood on May 21, 2023. Other honorees included a Lifetime Achievement Award to Judy Belk of the California Wellness Foundation, and a Courageous Leadership Award to artist Keiko Fukazawa. Culver 878 received an award for Courageous Leadership for Community Action.  

Organizer Margot Bennett offered “The 30th Anniversary of Women Against Gun Violence was the first live event the organization has hosted since the pandemic. Since 1993, WAGV has been working at both the legislative and community aspects of reducing gun violence. Much of this work has been a model for other organizations and gun violence prevention groups across the country.”

The annual fundraising event honors survivors and victims of gun violence and gets out the important message that there are things the everyone can do to prevent gun violence. The program included a moving bell ringing ceremony in honor of the dead, a video presentation and three leadership awards presented to honorees who have made outstanding contributions to the gun violence prevention movement. 

Culver 878 was honored for their activism in Culver City and the Los Angeles area. They successfully advocated for several gun violence prevention ordinances in Culver City in 2022, and are currently working for more legislation to be moved forward.

The members of Culver 878 who were present for the ceremony were Megan Oddsen, Melody Hansen, Maria Vivanco, Dr. Ti Nghiem Eilbeck and Dr. Margaret Peters. 

The award was presented by former Culver City Mayor and newly minted California Special Assistant Attorney General for Housing Alex Fisch. Vice Mayor Yasmine Imani McMorrin, was also in attendance. 

Judith Martin-Straw

 

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