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On May 29, 1994, the Dix family's life was irrevocably altered when Kenzo, a beloved and vibrant fifteen-year-old, was tragically shot and killed by a friend playing with an unsecured firearm. In this episode, hosts Kelly and JJ delve into this heart-wrenching story with Griffin Dix, Kenzo's father, through excerpts from his poignant book, "Who Killed Kenzo: The Loss of a Son and the Ongoing Battle for Gun Safety." Griffin paints a vivid picture of the emotional turmoil and profound impact Kenzo's death had on both his family and the shooter's family.

Griffin's narrative transcends the pain of loss, highlighting his relentless journey towards advocacy and justice. We explore the family's legal battle against Beretta USA, scrutinizing the firearm's features, and the broader systemic failures that enabled such a tragedy. Griffin also shares how he found solace and strength through the support of activists and the community, and the enduring legacy of Kenzo.

Further reading:
Long Battle Against Guns Began With a Son's Death (the New York Times)
After son's fatal accident, father fights to make weapons safer (the Times Herald)
Dix v. Beretta (Brady)
COVID-19, gun sales and guns in homes (the Hill)
The gun industry's six deadly lies (the Seattle Times)

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For more information on Brady, follow us on social media @Bradybuzz or visit our website at bradyunited.org.

Full transcripts and bibliographies of this episode are available at bradyunited.org/podcast.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255.
In a crisis? Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a Crisis Counselor 24/7.

Music provided by: David “Drumcrazie” Curby
Special thanks to Hogan Lovells for their long-standing legal support
℗&©2019 Red, Blue, and Brady

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Join us for an insightful discussion uncovering the impactful efforts of the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention. RBB hosts Kelly and JJ are joined by Brady President Kris Brown, along with Deputy Directors Greg Jackson and Rob Wilcox. Together, we analyze the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, delve into challenges surrounding victim compensation and legislative gaps, and highlight strides in firearm law reforms. Our dialogue showcases the collective determination against gun violence, emphasizing the importance of individual action.

As we conclude, we recognize grassroots advocates as the driving force behind change, acknowledging the shift towards community well-being. We invite you to be active participants in this journey towards a future without gun violence, fostering hope, healing, and humanity.

Further reading:
Two Men Affected by Gun Violence 'Turn Pain into Purpose' as Leaders in the White House's New Gun Safety Office (People)
White House announces new state-based gun violence initiative (Politico)
Biden Creates Federal Office of Gun Violence Prevention (New York Times)

Watch the full podcast, in video, here!

Support the show

For more information on Brady, follow us on social media @Bradybuzz or visit our website at bradyunited.org.

Full transcripts and bibliographies of this episode are available at bradyunited.org/podcast.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255.
In a crisis? Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a Crisis Counselor 24/7.

Music provided by: David “Drumcrazie” Curby
Special thanks to Hogan Lovells for their long-standing legal support
℗&©2019 Red, Blue, and Brady

Send us Fan Mail

Award-winning journalist and author Ioan Grillo brings us face-to-face with the consequences of US gun policies on our southern neighbor in a discussion about his book "Blood Gun Money: How America Arms Gangs and Cartels." As Grillo unfolds how arms trafficking fuels the fires of gang and cartel violence in Mexico, we come to understand the stark contrast between Mexico's strict gun laws and the ease of obtaining firearms in the US via Grillo's firsthand accounts, including his coverage of the El Chapo trial, and put a human face on the statistics of violence that currently plagues Mexico.

Join us as we discuss our shared responsibility in addressing gun violence that knows no borders, and how easy access to firearms in the US plays a role in not just international violence, but also increases in migration and the US drug market. Together we delve into the ethical quandaries faced by gun sellers, the formidable influence of organizations like the NRA, and what we can all be doing to keep ourselves (and our neighbors) safe.

Further reading:
America’s Complex Relationship With Guns (Pew Research Center)
Much of firearms traffic from the U.S. to Mexico happens illegally (NPR)
How American guns turned Mexico into a war zone (Los Angeles Times)
US-made guns are ripping Central America apart and driving migration north (the Guardian)

Support the show

For more information on Brady, follow us on social media @Bradybuzz or visit our website at bradyunited.org.

Full transcripts and bibliographies of this episode are available at bradyunited.org/podcast.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255.
In a crisis? Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a Crisis Counselor 24/7.

Music provided by: David “Drumcrazie” Curby
Special thanks to Hogan Lovells for their long-standing legal support
℗&©2019 Red, Blue, and Brady