by Seanne N. Murray, Esq, Senior Director of Communications and Development at Cure Violence Global
Do you remember where you were on 9/11? I do.
I was there, in the thick of the chaos and devastation, feeling the literal shockwaves reverberate through the city, and then the nation, and the world.
The events of that day shook me to my core, but amidst the rubble and loss, something remarkable happened. I witnessed firsthand the resilience of the human spirit. Surrounded by the wreckage, I experienced a profound sense of ‘oneness’ through the connectedness of the survivors—a bond forged through tragedy that defined my understanding of who I was and who I wanted to be. That experience forever altered my perspective, igniting a fire within me to confront violence and foster positive change.
Fast forward to 2016, and the nation was rocked by the Alton Sterling shooting in Baton Rouge. I felt the impact from my home in Los Angeles—an urgent call to action. Driven by a fervent desire to make a difference, I embarked on a quest to seek out those effectively combating violence. Little did I know, there were already remarkable individuals out there actively spreading the cure to violence. I had yet to grasp the full extent of what I would find.
In the midst of my search, I made a heartfelt promise to a dear friend—a former CEO of a Fortune 500 company who tragically lost his son, a school teacher, to gun violence. This promise, which still holds true today, served as my guiding light. It led me to a transformative discovery: Cure Violence Global. From that moment, I became deeply committed to supporting its mission – advancing an evidence-based public health approach to end violence globally – and sharing its results.
I was fortunate to meet Cobe Williams, a tireless violence interrupter working on the front lines. His dedication to building safer communities worldwide, coupled with his infectious joy, left an indelible impression on me. By 2022, I found myself honored to join the Cure Violence Global board, driven by a shared mission to amplify the impact of this vital initiative.
My board role wasn’t just a title. It was an opportunity to empower those actively combating violence. A year and a half later, driven by my motto Passion Propels Progress™, I was eager to roll up my sleeves and actively participate in the work. I was determined to offer tangible support to bolster the continuation, expansion, and recognition of our evidence-based approach.
Today, as the Senior Director of Development and Communications for Cure Violence Global, I’m excited to share my journey with you. It’s more than a movement. It’s a dynamic force with momentum, a mission with the evidence-based promise to end violence and create a safer world for all.
Cure Violence Global embodies the vision that safety is a fundamental human right. Together, we have the power to end violence and spread peace. It’s not an insurmountable task; we don’t have to accept fear as inevitable. Instead, we actively work to shape safer communities, nurturing a world where violence is the exception, not the rule.
This post serves as an introduction to the incredible individuals who will follow, each with their stories, insights, and experiences. Prepare to be moved, transformed, and inspired.
Now is the time for the headline ‘Hope: Championing Violence Prevention’ to take center stage as front-page news worldwide.
I encourage you to join us on this journey towards ending violence. Sign up for updates and newsletters from Cure Violence Global to stay informed about our initiatives and opportunities to get involved.
Together, we have the power to make a difference, transform lives, and magnify the impact of those working on the front lines to create a safer world for all.