Local organizations host holiday event to bridge gap between black and brown communities

SAN ANTONIO — Just last week the United States Surgeon General declared gun violence, a public health crisis.

San Antonio police shared numbers which showed shooting calls in the city were down in 2023, and are trending even lower this year.

Two organizations want to see that trend continue, so they came together this Fourth of July to promote unity.

“We’re here to show them, there’s no need to pick up a gun to fight, come together and pick up a plate,” said Leslie Balderas-Salazar.

Salazar, Chief of Staff of Big Homies, joined forces with Big Mama’s Safe House to host the Black and Brown Unity event on the city’s west side.

They shared a meal this Fourth of July, with a focus on equality and justice, working toward a more inclusive society.

“Predominantly the city of San Antonio is Hispanic, but there’s also a percentage of African-Americans. We want to get together for the same rights,” said Rosemary Williams, executive director with Big Mama’s Safe House.

Getting together in numbers, Williams says, is the way black and brown communities can be stronger.

“We want to reach every family,” said Williams.

Big Mama’s Safe House focuses on reducing gun violence within black and brown communities.

“Every young youth or child and let them know that help is not on the way, it’s here,” said Williams.

San Antonio Police show numbers for calls for shootings are down. In 2022, they responded to 2,841 calls.  In 2023, that number was down to 2,363. Through the first six months of this year that number is at 993, on pace for 1,986.

Big Mama’s Safe House hopes to keep those numbers trending downward by building relationships, and educating young people about guns.

“We have a lot of our youth and our outreach workers that have lived experience that have gone to prison. They have served because of a gun violence situation,” said Williams.

The event also aimed to bring hope and compassion for families, by finding out their needs and connecting them to resources and organizations.

“We’re here to create fun, to show people that we can all come together, and there’s no need for violence,” said Balderas-Salazar.

Big Mama’s Safe House says to continue doing their work they could always use more helping hands and funding.

“If you are a philanthropist, or you’re looking for some type of way to help, reach out to Big Mama’s Safe House, we’re always looking for funding and for volunteers as well,” said Williams.

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