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Advancement Project & Brady Campaign

Joshua Paz

Arizona State University

OGL 350 – Module 4

July 31st, 2023

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Advancement Project & Brady Campaign

First, the simple yet powerful slogan “Free and Safe,” has enough grabbing power to entice

even a passerby. The Advancement Project mission statement has strong points such as being a

“next generation, multi-racial civil rights organization” (Advancement Project, 2023. para. 1).

This powerful statement allows for a further reach amongst diverse communities that may have

viewed this as exclusive to one race or demographic. Inclusivity allows for comfort and safe,

positive experiences. In the mission statement there is another point made that almost holds such

a weight that it could be viewed as accountability: “we exist to fulfill America’s promise of a

caring, inclusive and just democracy” (Advancement Project, 2023. para. 1).

While reading through, under the Theory of Change section, there was a point of support that

was noted that especially stuck out to me, “providing legal, communications and campaign

organizing resources for on-the-ground efforts” (Advancement Project, 2023. para. 3). One thing

that is overwhelmingly apparent is how the legal and justice system has allowed for these

communities and their inhabitants to fall through the cracks, and at times, work against them.

Knowing that there are legal professionals who are knowledgeable, and aware of the struggles

that people of color are facing. I think there is a peace of mind when you are dealing with the

justice system and someone of your ethnicity or race steps up to represent and fight for you.

I feel as though this is a crucial project for cities or areas where injustice is prevalent and

there is a strong need for change. In my community, there is a very strong mixture of diversity.

While the area I work and live might not be the best, the community is strong, and the inclusive

attitude is reciprocated. My cul-de-sac growing up had a wide variety of ethnicities. We had the

Jones family who are African American, the Yee’s who are Chinese American, my father who is
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Hispanic, Andres and his family moved from Mexico in 2002 and still live there today, and my

best friend growing up is Filipino and African American and he lived on our street for 8 years!

To this day there is a diverse mixture of families who live on that street. My parents still live

there, so I am frequently visiting them. Out of the 11 houses in the cul-de-sac, I was happy to

have been raised with all those families during the time they were there.

While I may have been fortunate to have been raised in the environment I was raised in, there

ae communities that are in need of help and an organization like the Advancement Project to

fight for them. I am hopeful to see a future where the “shared vision of a multiracial, just

democracy” (Advancement Project, 2023. para. 6) is not only prevalent but thriving.

I have an inner turmoil regarding guns and the role they play in our America. At first while

reading through, I was a bit frustrated with the thought that there had to be a movement such as

Brady to help address the gun violence. Where is the legal system? Where is the government?

But then I stepped back and realised that they are the here and the now of this challenging

problem and they are making waves. “It’s time we unite people of all races and ethnicities from

coast to coast, progressive and conservative, young and old, fed up and fired up, to work with us

and end what is taking so many lives” (Brady United, 2019. para. 3). I am absolutely thrilled to

see such an extensive and thought-out plan. Looking through the 12 different steps of The Brady

Plan, I couldn’t help but notice how all 12 could be viewed with agreeance from any sensible

American. I feel there are some stubborn individuals out there that are just loud enough to be

opposing some of these plans.

Plan number three of The Brady Plan has such a concise and strong point highlighted,

“known for their ability to exact maximum destruction and casualties” (Brady United, 2018.

para. 4). This is so obvious and excessive. Why anyone would ever need that type of weapon in
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their position other than for their current job as a police officer or member of the military, leaves

me baffled. I understand the history of the 2nd amendment and its reasoning. My question is when

will this stop? At what point will these weapons become outlawed to prevent further mass

shootings?

While I am not solely holding the ATF accountable for their lack of action, I feel as though

plan number 11 is a good start to address the organizations that are enabling and hindering the

right movement. I was 10 years old when a neighborhood friend witnessed his brother commit

suicide with a gun he purchased from Wal-Mart. This is especially near to my heart seeing as

how my friend has to live with this for the rest of his life. And for why? Why was an 18-year-old

allowed to purchase a gun? Unnecessary and avoidable.

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References

Advancement Project. (2023). Mission and vision. Advancement Project.

https://advancementproject.org/about-advancement-project/

Brady United. (2018). Brady. Brady. https://www.bradyunited.org/the-brady-plan

Brady United. (2019). Learn about our history, our programs and our plan to end gun

violence. Brady. https://www.bradyunited.org/about

James, S. (Director). (2011). The interrupters [Film]. Frontline.

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Module 4 Discussion Questions

The Violence Interrupters leverage mediation skills, cultural knowledge and street

credibility to gain the respect and confidence of people in conflict. Could someone with

mediation training but without a similar background and experience be as effective as the

Interrupters?

- This is a difficult scenario. While I want to believe that someone with

appropriate mediation skills has the knowledge and mental capacity to communicate with the

individuals shown in the film, I do not feel that there would be the same respect as there are with

the top Violence Interrupter leaders. In this culture there is a large aspect of respect towards

those who may have been in the individual’s position and made it through life and walked out

the other side with a strong and positive perspective as to why violence is not the answer. A

teacher in a clip with Eddie makes a comment about how her students can also go to her with

things that they are dealing with, but you could see that even with the children (approximately

age 8-11) they had a level of hesitation entrusting their hardships with their teacher who may not

have been raised the same.

- I feel as though this is even prevalent in work or outside scenarios where there

is a bit of respect for those who have been through the scenarios that they are speaking on. One

of my biggest challenges is when there are outside hire managers brought into the Starbucks

world and they struggle with the retention of the bigger picture. The culture of the company and

the way we work as a team is crucial to success. When an outside hire comes in and treats us as

numbers or just other workers, there is a period of rough learning as the manager attempts to

strong arm through work. Over my time with the company, I have seen about 75% of outside

hires struggle, fail, and eventually leave the company. I can count on one hand the number of
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outside hires that have successfully made it to their “two-year stability” mark. There is a respect

for those who can hang with us in the trenches.

Violence in mainstream films, television shows, news programming, video games, music

and YouTube videos has become increasingly graphic and prevalent over the last two decades.

Do you think the consumption of violent imagery desensitizes people to violence in their public

and private lives? Is the entertainment industry creating more violent content or simply reflecting

an increasingly violent American culture?

- I strongly feel that this topic is more for the leaders and parental figures that

guide our youth as they begin to witness or experience these acts or portrayals of violence. I feel

that if adults, guardians, leaders, parents, and teachers do not know how to properly

communicate or guide the youth through challenging topics around violence, there will just be a

mindset of normalcy around violence and how it is just a part of our world. While I am not naïve,

there needs to be a better way to guide our youth through these situations; and it starts with role

models.

- I did martial arts for about fourteen years. There was discipline, structure,

courage, and patience taught throughout my years studying Taekwondo. I attribute many social

skills to my years in martial arts, both as a student and an instructor myself. While I am no

stranger to violence, I have a stronger will and knowledge of how to handle and solve

problems/challenges with mind power instead of brute force.

Many of the Interrupters and the people they help trace their descent into criminal

behavior at least in part to their problematic or absent relationships with their fathers. Why do

you think the father-child relationship is such a prevalent factor in this issue? How can our

communities support young people who lack positive male role models?
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- While I have been raised with both my mother and my father present, I feel

there is an extent to which I can communicate about. My mother, shortly after having me, quit

her job in order to stay home and raise me. My dad was a nonstop working man. He absolutely

loved what he did (recently retired). My parents’ roles were very clear. My mother stayed home

and handled me and the house while my father went to work in order to make money for the

family. While this seems very stereotypical, they were anything but. My mother taught me how

to change a tire and do an oil change. My father taught me how to tend to a garden and be aware

of my environment. My mother taught me how to shoot a gun and my father showed me how to

do dry wall work. The amount of knowledge between the two of them was such an awesome

experience to be grateful for. Today, I am aware of the importance of their teamwork (while not

perfect at times). The structure and discipline I were raised with is such a strong reason for why I

am who I am. I have often thought if there was only one of them to raise me. If it was just my

mother, I may have been rebellious under her overbearing and strict parenting style, whereas my

father may have been at work so much that I would have had little to know structure.

Ameena’s confession of physical and sexual abuse shows that abused and neglected

children often fall into circumstances that lead them into crime, creating a thin line between

perpetuator and victim of violence. What would it look like to shift our public policies and aim

funding to prevent future perpetuators of violence, instead of simply prosecuting them once a

violent act has been committed?

- Seeing halfway houses for teens and young adults shows a willingness to learn

and understand their hardships. We really do not know what the life of others looks like until we

are let in. The ability to ask questions and guide the youth into a world of trust and comfort as

they can begin to grow and thrive is so important. I feel we look at crimes and immediately write
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the individual off as a criminal. It is so easy to label and move on. Asking the question “Why?”

is the change we need to adapt. More community outreach, more activities where youth and

young adults are able to express themselves in a safe environment. Breaking the cycle starts with

change in mindset.

Eddie Bocanegra talked about the tense relationship between police and his community.

Studies show that Latinos, both documented and undocumented, are reluctant to report crimes

for fear of exposing their immigration status, or of being discriminated against, or out of a

distrust of authorities based on experiences from their home countries. How do these cultural

factors contribute to violence in Latino neighborhoods?

- From experience, there is a strong sense of family and or sense of pride in your

home. This translates into a strong territorial feeling. The gangs or individuals who reside in

these neighborhoods feel as though they are the ones who monitor or police the areas. It is true

there is a heavy distrust in local authorities, but this causes an environment similar to the wild

west. Once again, if the cycle was broken and there was change on both ends, the environment

might become more comfortable and trusting of each other. One thought is neutrality for those

seeking help from authorities. If there is a citizen, documented or undocumented who needs help

from authorities, there should be a neutrality law where the safety of the people is the priority

and crime, or violent event is the main concern. The nuances of how to collect statements from

individuals who may or may not be documented need to be addressed.

The film mentions the idea of having the National Guard come in to help Chicago Police

patrol the streets. Discuss how you feel about that Idea and why. Will the addition the National

Guard add to the problem or help reduce the acts of violence?

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- Trying to fight fire with a bigger stronger fire seems a bit counterproductive.

One piece that seems to have stuck out was a want for work. There was talk about not having

work or not being able to work enough to make money to live. This is my frustration, the

transient population in my area is growing steadily worse. There is no work ethic and some

refuse work when it is offered because asking/begging for money (or potentially stealing) is

easier than work. I highly doubt that bringing in an army to help manage the violence would

snuff out the flame of violence. I almost feel that there would be an even bigger response as a

community banned together in order to fight the national guard, in which case, we’d be repeating

history. We do not need another civil war.

What unique role can women play in conflict mediation?

- Watching Ameena talk to the youth and young adults was both moving and

inspiring. She had such a presence and captivated all who listened. Her background seemed to be

well known, which gave her the appropriate street cred that allowed her to keep the attention of

those she was communicating with. Her wisdom and experiences also helped her better relate

and communicate, especially with Caprysha. I also feel that I as a man, cannot have the same

conversations that a woman would have with other women. I feel that my perspective would be

looked at as mansplaining or biased in a way. I am absolutely on board with women taking their

leadership positions in order to alleviate any tension or bias feelings from the male perspective. I

am very aware of the wage gap and the uneven distribution of men in roles that women are fully

capable of being in.

- On a more serious and sensitive note, I feel that women are sometimes taken

advantage of emotionally and sexually. To have another female who has been through those
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hardships or moment of injustice is a beacon of hope for the women who might feel like there is

no hope. Or at least I hope this is something that is unique to women.

For Cobe, Ameena and Eddie, being an Interrupter is about more than just stopping

fights; it is about interrupting the status quo and making a positive difference in their community.

What does being an Interrupter mean to you? In what ways have you acted as an Interrupter in

your community?

- I feel as though there haven’t been many moments where I have acted as an

interrupter. I feel like there were many moments where I was involved in the violence that took

place. I think one thing that I jump at the opportunity to engage in is helping a fellow motorist

with their car. Whether I am helping someone push a car from the intersection to the side of the

road, helping someone jump start their car, or even providing a ride. My fiancé has even grown

accustomed to my willingness to help. The last time I jumped out to help someone push their car

to the side of the road, she game planned and told me that she’d drive the car into a nearby gas

station and wait for me there. While this isn’t interrupting violence, I feel it could be interpreted

as leading by example.

- I also try to embody a positive demeaner at work so that others around me and

the customers that frequent my store are greeted or get a bit of jovial entertainment to help them

through their day!