Daryl Washington's untimely and senseless murder on July 29, 2014, just a few feet from his Harlem residence, dramatizes the tragic epidemic of gun violence in NYC and other urban areas. There are thousands of young men and women like Daryl, who are the victims of premature death due to ignorance, immaturity and easy access to handguns.

While it is difficult to say anything "good" can come of such tragedies, Daryl Washington's murder, given Daryl's impeccable reputation, has galvanized NYC residents, co-workers, business-owners, and others across racial, gender and income boundaries. 

Renaming the street where Daryl lived and was killed, will help to keep his memory alive and raise awareness of gun violence in New York City and throughout this nation. We pledge to encourage this by holding an annual event on his block to commemmorate Daryl and to educate local residents about the horrors of gun violence. If an outstanding and law-abiding citizen like him can fall victim to senselessgun violence, anyone unfortunately can. Therefore, regardless of one's background, race, income level, gender or place of residence, WE ARE ALL AFFECTED.