Who We Are – Guns down friday

Founder

Jawanna Hardy was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and raised in Prince George’s County, Maryland, Jawanna’s journey into activism was shaped by her Christian faith and the inspiring examples set by her activist family members. Her six-year service in the U.S. Air Force, including a deployment in Qatar, provided her with a deep understanding of violence’s human cost and the critical need for community support during crises. Witnessing her own community’s violence upon returning home, she co-founded Guns Down Friday in 2018 with her daughter, Dnayjah Joseph, to address this urgent issue.

At the heart of Jawanna’s efforts is the mobile trauma unit, which organizes vigils, community gatherings, and provides essential resources to families affected by violence. Her unwavering dedication exemplifies the transformative power of compassion and activism, making her a beacon of hope for her community and beyond.

Junior Founder

D’nayjah Joseph is the Junior Founder of Guns Down Friday. From a very young age D’nayjah always knew she wanted to pursue a career in law. When she moved to DC from Maryland, she realized how different the city was from what she thought it would be. She never knew how much of an issue gun violence was for children her age. That is why D’nayjah joined alongside her mother, Jawanna Hardy, in creating Guns Down Friday. D’nayjah feels by focusing on communities’ well-being and mental health we will be able to end gun violence within the youth. In the future she wants to be able to have her own law firm. She wants to be able to provide free legal and mental health services to minority youth that have been put in the system by partnering with local psychologists and therapists. “Having people that show that they actually care for these children and want to fight for them to not just get thrown in the system at such a young age would impact them a lot.” says D’nayjah.

Youth Ambassador

Maciah King- Brooks was born in Washington D.C. Maciah’s the voice for the young people of today. He voices his concerns about a number of topics that affects the future of the Washington D.C Community. ” I love working with Guns Down Friday, this program has changed my life.” Macaih King Brooks

Board Of Directors

Mark Swartz writes for and about nonprofit organizations, with a particular focus on early education, the arts, and health. The 2021 murder of his friend Jerry Black opened his eyes to the crisis of gun violence. A cofounder of the Lever Fund, he lives in Takoma Park MD. See more at www.swartzmark.com.

Mike Stuckey is a retired United States Marine Gunnery Sergeant and native of Vero Beach Florida. He works as the Deputy Vice President of Operations for the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, a Non- Profit Organization that focuses on providing toys and books to families in need across the United States. Mike grew up fast in the streets of Florida and experienced a life of drugs, guns and violence before changing his life and joining the military. He has a passion for helping those less fortunate and providing guidance to children that may be misguided or living a fast life.

Connor Mallon brings a wealth of experience and diverse expertise to the fight against gun violence. As a strategy consultant, entrepreneur, and US Army combat veteran, Connor has worked diligently to address the issues faced by veterans, including the prevalence of gun violence within this population.

Drawing upon his experiences in nonprofits and nationwide community development projects, Connor understands that combating gun violence requires a multifaceted approach. He recognizes the importance of advocacy, education, community engagement, and support systems for individuals at risk.

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