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RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING THE MONTH OF JUNE AS “WILLOW JAMES’ YOUTH AGAINST GUN VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH IN COOK COUNTY”
WHEREAS, gun violence continues to impact children, families, and communities throughout Cook County, depriving far too many young people of the safety, freedom, and opportunities they deserve; and
WHEREAS, firearms have remained the leading cause of death for children and adolescents in the United States since 2020, underscoring the urgent need for communities, policymakers, educators, faith leaders, and families to work together to protect our nation’s youth from the devastating impact of gun violence; and
WHEREAS, Willow James, a vibrant and talented young girl from Harvey, Illinois, was tragically struck in the head by a stray bullet on May 28, 2025, while riding home from school, becoming an innocent victim of senseless gun violence; and
WHEREAS, the gunshot wound caused severe trauma, impacting Willow’s ability to walk, speak, process emotions, and perform many of the activities she once enjoyed as a student, athlete, dancer, and singer; and
WHEREAS, through intensive rehabilitation and extraordinary determination, Willow has demonstrated remarkable courage and resilience in her recovery journey, inspiring countless individuals throughout Cook County and beyond; and
WHEREAS, Willow and her family continue to work diligently to support her mental, emotional, and social well-being as they navigate the lasting effects and realities of an incident that has profoundly altered her life; and
WHEREAS, Willow’s experience reminds us that behind every statistic is a child, a family, and a future forever changed by the devastating consequences of gun violence; and
WHEREAS, countless young people throughout Cook County have had their childhoods disrupted by the threat of gun violence, forcing them to alter where they play, gather, learn, and socialize, and denying them the simple freedoms that every child deserves to enjoy without fear; and
WHEREAS, every child deserves the opportunity to learn, play, grow, and thrive in an environment free from violence, and protecting our youth requires the collective commitment of families, schools, faith communities, community organizations, healthcare providers, law enforcement, and public officials; and
WHEREAS, the observance of Willow James’ Youth Against Gun Violence Awareness Month provides an opportunity to raise awareness, promote education, support survivors, and strengthen violence prevention efforts throughout Cook County and beyond;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Dr. Kisha E. McCaskill, Cook County Commissioner of the 5th District, sponsors this resolution Recognizing the Month of June as “Willow James’ Youth Against Gun Violence Awareness Month” in recognition of Willow’s courage, perseverance, and inspirational example, transforming a personal tragedy into a triumph of hope, resilience, and advocacy, and serving as a call to action for all residents to become actively engaged in preventing gun violence and restoring to every child the freedom, safety, and joy of childhood; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that all community stakeholders are urged to observe the month through education, awareness initiatives, mentorship, advocacy, violence prevention programs, and collaborative efforts that empower and protect young people while fostering safer communities for all; ensuring that every child has the freedom to learn, play, dream, and reach their full potential without fear, recognizing that safeguarding our youth is a shared responsibility and an investment in the future of our communities and
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Willow James and her family as an expression of support, admiration, and appreciation for the inspiration they provide to communities working toward a safer future for all children.
ADOPTED THIS 11TH DAY OF JUNE, 2026.
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