My name is Corey Penn. I am the father of Amillier “Milli” Penn, and I am formally asking the City of Grand Rapids to approve the commemorative renaming of Charing Cross Drive near Camelot Woods Apartments to “Amillier Penn Way.” This is not just a street name; it is a lasting tribute and a way to highlight a pressing issue that impacts countless families and communities across our nation.

Amillier’s life was tragically cut short due to gun violence, a menace that affects many and spares few. My family has been trying to obtain a commemorative street renaming for my son for quite some time now. Sadly, this is our third attempt, and it feels like the importance of Amillier’s life has been overlooked.

Renaming Charing Cross Drive is not just about remembering my son. It is about acknowledging the loss endured by many, and it serves as a public reminder of the critical need to address the persistent and devastating impact of gun violence in our communities. From the time he was born, Milli was raised in the Camelot Woods community. He interacted with the children and neighbors daily and often went to the basketball court to play with other kids in the area. He had strong, lasting ties to this community.

A street named “Amillier Penn Way” will not only honor his memory but also keep his story alive and continue the vital conversation about preventing gun violence. Streets are places of movement and continuity, and the name “Amillier Penn Way” can inspire action, reflection, and remembrance every single day.

Gun violence is a public health crisis. It claims the lives of over 100 people per day in the United States alone, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Such renamings hold the power to spark dialogue, invite community action, and foster a sense of unity. By renaming Charing Cross Drive, we stand not only to honor my son but also to be part of a broader movement to end the violence that robs us of too many brilliant and promising lives.

Grand Rapids can set a precedent for change by recognizing the impact of gun violence at the local level. I urge city officials and council members to stand with us in solidarity and authorize the renaming of Charing Cross Drive near Camelot Woods Apartments. This initiative holds not only personal meaning for us but also communal significance.