Essex County commissioners proclaim May Haitian Heritage Month and declare first Friday in June Gun Violence Awareness Day

The Essex County Board of County Commissioners adopted a pair of ceremonial resolutions recognizing May as Haitian Heritage Month and declaring the first Friday in June as Gun Violence Awareness Day.

Commissioner Adoree Murray Thomas presented the Haitian Heritage Month proclamation, saying the resolution “recognize[s] not only the contributions of Haitian Americans” and noting the county’s cultural diversity. Murray Thomas asked colleagues to approve the resolution by acclamation, and the board agreed.

Commissioner Brendan Gill introduced the Gun Violence Awareness Day resolution and urged a public‑health approach to gun safety, pointing to county ordinances and the county’s anti‑gun‑violence task force as part of ongoing efforts. Andrea Podgarski, co‑local group lead for Essex County Moms Demand Action, thanked the board for the proclamation and cited national statistics to underline the organizers’ priorities: safe-storage laws, support for survivors and prevention programs. Podgarski said, “Guns are the leading cause of death in the U.S. for our children,” and urged continued advocacy and legislative action.

Both resolutions were presented for the public record and approved by the board. Commissioners noted past county measures — including a vendor‑regulation ordinance and the establishment of an Essex County anti‑gun‑violence task force — while framing Gun Violence Awareness Day as a tool for community outreach and remembrance.

The board took the resolutions as symbolic steps to raise awareness and to acknowledge local advocacy groups’ work. The items were approved during the regular meeting and will be read into the record in final form at a later time.