Rise Up: Youth Summit on Gun violence pREVENTION

Gun violence has become the defining crisis of our generation, robbing

young people of their futures, families of their loved ones, and entire

communities of peace.

In the Twin Cities, this epidemic is especially direct youth gun deaths

have skyrocketed, disproportionately affecting African American and

Native American communities. Just last year, more than 60% of all

youth firearm-related injuries and deaths in Minneapolis and St. Paul

involved young people of color. It is clear that this crisis demands more

than reactive solutions, it requires proactive leadership, bold strategies,

and, most importantly, the mobilization of young people as the

architects of change.

That is why, on May 23, 2025, Guns Down, Love Up is hosting the

first annual RISE UP: Youth Empowerment on Gun Violence

Prevention, Leadership & Advocacy Summit in Minnesota. This

groundbreaking summit is not just an event—it is a movement to equip,

educate, and inspire 200 high school students to become leaders in

violence prevention, advocacy, and restorative justice within their own

communities.