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Weaving Stronger Together

By Amanda Coral Goldsmith


As the heat and humidity rise and we grow closer to the Summer Solstice, we

want to recognize all that this month of June holds space for within our communities:

Gun Violence Prevention Awareness, Immigrant Heritage, Juneteenth, LGBTQIA+

PRIDE, Men’s Health, Mental Health and PTSD Awareness, and National Safety Month.


There is a common thread that these causes share. The importance of

prioritizing, protecting, and uplifting the health of humanity. Connecting with fellow

neighbors and sharing our resources and stories to let each other know that we are not

alone in a world filled with bigotry, corruption, hate, and violence.


Gun violence is one of the leading causes of death in the Black, Immigrant,

LGBTQIA+ communities. For every person shot and killed, two survive, living with the

lifelong struggles of not only the physical wounds, but the mental scars and PTSD from

surviving such a traumatic event. Anti-immigrant and anti-LGBTQ+ biases

disproportionately impact these communities. Approximately two-thirds of homicides of

the Immigrant and Latinx community, and 3 in 4 homicides of Transgender and gender-

expansive people are by firearm. Men make up 86-87% of deaths by gun suicide in this

country, with an alarming rise happening with our Black Men. Every day, 13 Veterans,

the majority men, end their lives by firearm.


While these statistics are staggering, the movements and organizations run by

volunteers who are trying to make a difference in the lives of these communities and

change these statistics are what should inspire us all to lend a hand. When we each

reach out to help in an area that impacts us and that we are passionate about, we are

changing the fabric of the collective story for the better. We are weaving a wider and

stronger net of communities across this country, doing incredible work to support their

fellow humans and be shining lights in this often-seemingly dark world.


This is your invitation to join an organization or movement that calls to you and to

lend a hand in creating a different future for all of us, together. Throughout June, there

will be public events in the area to connect neighbors in need with the community. Many

of these organizations are seeking passionate people to spend an hour a week or a

month helping the Collective become connected and stronger through community

engagement and outreach.


Upcoming local events in and around Alachua County, Florida:



Open Mic nights every Wednesday from 7-9 pm

o June 3rd

o June 10th

o June 17th

o June 24th



PRIDE –


  • Family PRIDE Days at Heartwood – June 9th , June 14th , June 30th

  • Pride Party – Queer Makers Market, Drag Show, and Dance Party June 13th


Juneteenth –


o Juneteenth Film Festival – June 6th

o Storytime at Depot – June 18th

o Juneteenth – June 19th

o Freedom Fest – June 20th


Mental Health &PTSD Awareness –



National Safety –


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