11 Sep Richmond Residents Gather for 17th ‘Put the Guns Down’ Event

“I’m trying to attack what our babies struggle with the most, and bullying is a big thing,” said Elana Bolds, left, the founder of Put Down the Guns.

By Malcolm Marshall

Community members gathered Saturday at Nevin Park for the 17th Put the Guns Down event, a free gathering focused on raising awareness about gun violence in Richmond, especially its effect on youth.

Held at Fourth Street and Macdonald Avenue, the event was organized by longtime local activist Elana Bolds, known in the community as Miss Lana.

The day featured live music performances, bike raffles and giveaways, including books and fresh fruits and vegetables provided by Urban Tilth. Barbers were also on hand, offering free haircuts, while kids enjoyed games, prizes and a treasure hunt.

“I finally, with prayer and great consideration, went to 4th Street Park,” Bolds said. “I know a lot of people weren’t going to go for different reasons, because some of them were beefing with that area. Some people were worried about safety. But because of the amount of kids that live in that area that usually can’t go to my events, I brought the event right to them, and it was amazing.”

Bolds said her mission is to provide joy, connection and resources for young people growing up amid hardship and violence.

“This event is created from my heart, and it is the change that I want to see,” she said. “I want to celebrate life. I want to see everybody before the funeral. I’m tired of singing ‘Precious Lord’ and ‘His Eye Is on the Sparrow.’ That’s why I do so much intervention, loving on these babies, sharing resources, smiles, hugs, understanding, and anything I can to take a big bite out of violence.”

This year’s lineup included praise dancers, costumed characters such as Minnie Mouse and Black Superman, and a performance by Melvin Leonard and the Barbecue Hot Sauce Band.

“They set the tone for the rest of the day,” Bolds said. “We had a little bit of everything. It was phenomenal.”

The event also included an active shooter drill aimed at helping young people learn how to stay safe during gunfire.

“That’s why I do it over and over, to increase their speed and thinking,” Bolds said.

She recently launched another initiative, Fist Up Guns Down, which she said would become an annual event alongside Put the Guns Down.

“I’m trying to attack what our babies struggle with the most, and bullying is a big thing,” Bolds said. “Let’s get to the nitty of why our babies are so angry, why they’re ready to throw their lives away because they can’t handle their emotions, because so many of them have seen so much so young.”

For her, the goal is simple: to give children in Richmond hope and joy.

“We wanted the kids [to know] what it feels like to have Christmas on a regular day,” said Bolds. “So many of those babies don’t have dads. They don’t have moms. They’re living with Granny. Everybody’s trying to do the best they can.”