We celebrated and shared the Neighbos in Action: Courageous Conversations for a Safer Euclid final report from our Nov. 2024 community listening sessions. During these sessions, nearly 150 residents came together at three different locations to discuss their lived experiences around gun violence, identify the existing assets that would make for a safer community, and connect residents across lines of difference to participate in courageous conversations as a community.

Last week, at approximately 7 pm on Tuesday, December 10, during our final Neighbor Night of the year, Marian Grier (21) and Antwon Grier (20) – a brother and sister – were tragically shot and killed just two miles away. 

We share in the outrage and grief of their mother, Lashawnda Grier, their family, and all the families affected by this senseless violence in our community.

Beginning April 1, 2024, the City of Euclid, Euclid Public Library, and Euclid City Schools have all confirmed their intent to enter an agreement with the Case Western Reserve University Center for Community Innovation for community-led citywide "vision for a safer Euclid" in partnership with the HOPE Task Force.

Our selected youth co-leaders will be mentored and empowered to assume the leadership role however they feel most comfortable stepping in. Any interested students should complete this form by May 1, 2024.

Neighbor Nights begin September 26 at 6:00 p.m.

On Monday afternoon, around the corner from Shoreview Elementary School, a 10-year-old student was shot in the arm shortly after school let out for the day. She was the innocent victim of someone else’s dispute involving a gun. A stray bullet. The students, families, schoolmates, teachers, and staff at Shoreview have access to counselors for emotional support, and our community’s prayers for healing and peace are ongoing.

Gun violence in our neighborhoods is not acceptable.

“What Euclid is doing is innovative,” said Dr. Prakash Ganesh, Medical Director for the Cuyahoga County Board of Health. “I keep telling other cities to look at what Euclid is doing when they ask me about reducing violence in their communities.” What is innovative about Euclid’s HOPE Task Force violence reduction efforts? It’s our commitment to building on the skills and assets of our community instead of the traditional “needs-based” approach to community development.

Our April meeting was attended by Mayor Kirsten Holzheimer-Gail, Euclid Schools Superintendent Chris Papouras, Police Chief Scott Meyer, and Asst. Fire Chief Will Anderson, along with Euclid Municipal Courts Judge Patrick Gallagher. Other participating organizations include the Cuyahoga County Board of Health, Grace Community Church, Moore Counseling & Mediation, Lakeshore Christian Church, Church of the Epiphany, Euclid Hunger Center, Euclid Chamber of Commerce, Euclid Kiwanis, and ReNounce DeNounce Violence Interruption Program.

Over the past two years, while Euclid, Cuyahoga County, and nationwide gun violence have reached the highest levels we’ve seen in our lifetime, three Euclid mothers have kept an ongoing text thread of mutual support and encouragement.

Chances are, we’re not the only ones.

Sometimes it’s a message to say, “Thank you for speaking up” after a public meeting or rally. “Tell me when to be there,” Emily Holody and I said when Taneika Hill launched the Bluestone Court Coalition anti-violence youth mentoring program. Other times, the messages say, “This violence is just too much. We have to do something.”