One Second Collaborative Advocate Speaks on Youth Gun Violence
Melinda Hamilton is a mother on a mission. She tragically lost her daughter, brother, and grandson to gun violence. Her pain fuels her advocacy work, so when the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention asked her to share her story, Melinda graciously accepted the invitation.
She joined a group of mothers from across the country gathering in Washington, D.C., united through a common purpose: preventing future tragedies.
Melinda, who made the trip with support from the One Second Collaborative (OSC) and United Way of Tarrant County, is the founder of Mothers of Murdered Angels (MOMA), an OSC grantee. MOMA serves as a beacon of hope for mothers who have experienced unimaginable loss equipping them to advocate for victims’ rights, to stop gun violence, and to seek justice.
U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris expressed gratitude for the group’s courage and commitment to gun violence prevention. One of only six women to share her story, Melinda was particularly moved when the mothers gathered on the steps of the Eisenhower Building each holding a picture of their lost loved one.
“It was such a great feeling talking to mothers who were going through the same thing,” said Hamilton. “It is an experience I will never forget.”
MOMA is one of 18 organizations that received funding from OSC last year. One Second Collaborative is an evidence-based approach to reducing youth gun violence throughout Tarrant County. United Way of Tarrant County oversees the collaborative, working closely with local law enforcement and its community-based steering committee.
Melinda is committed to using her voice to create change and will host a Healing Vigil at Fort Worth Water Gardens on April 27. Additionally, National Youth Violence Prevention Week is April 22-26 and many OSC grantees will be hosting events. The community is encouraged to use the hashtag #OneSecondNVPW24 to raise awareness and spread the word about activities throughout the area.
About the One Second Collaborative
Launched in December 2022, the OSC is an evidence-based approach to addressing youth violence through the unification and coordination of numerous community-based organizations that deliver outreach, education, workforce training, internships, referrals for basic needs and other support to everyday challenges young people and their families are experiencing.
UWTC, the Fort Worth Police Department, the City of Fort Worth, Tarrant County and countless community stakeholders have come together to make up this Collaborative. Financial support for the initiative and grants comes from American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds administered by Tarrant County and the City of Fort Worth.
