Gun Violence is and always has been a civil rights issue in the United States. Disrupting the intersection of gun violence and racism has long been a focus of our work at New Mexicans to Prevent Gun Violence. We are committed to continuing that work in order to obliterate systemic racism against Black, Indigenous and People of Color in our state and country. There is scant discourse on the disproportionate impact of gun violence on communities of color. Black males are increasingly victims of gun violence at the hands of police and are ten times more likely to die from gun violence in the United States than white Americans. Black males make up only 6% of the U.S. population, but account for 51% of all homicide victims, the majority with a firearm. A Black American family has a 62% greater chance of their son being shot and killed. Racist, white vigilantes continue to terrorize and kill innocent people of color in the name of “stand your ground” laws. Police violence and racial profiling is rampant throughout the United States while armed white bystanders heckle and intimidate Black Lives Matter protestors throughout our country, without fear of reprisal. Systemic perpetuation of oppression through laws, policies, and practices continue to create gross disparities in health, education, and community economic investment in the United States. All of these issues are inextricably linked to the racial inequalities that have defined our country for centuries. New Mexicans to Prevent Gun Violence will continue to work to undo racism and its links to gun violence. We are committed to ensuring Black, Indigenous, and People of Color most impacted guide our organization, our policies, programs, and partnerships. We know this is a marathon, not a sprint. Sincerely,  Rev. Dr Harry Eberts and Miranda Viscoli co-presidents of New Mexicans to Prevent Gun Violence