“Joe would be so proud to see his friends here tonight standing up for what is right.” -- Megan Mahoney

The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Minority Media Association sponsored an anti-gun violence rally and open mike memorial tribute with the theme “Enough Is Enough” in memory of Joe Munz on Tuesday, Dec. 5.

Munz, a UWM junior, was shot and killed Oct. 10 while delivering sandwiches for Jimmy John’s.

The event featured performances by local musicians, emotional words by two of Munz’s close friends, a speech by Bickham Project founder Kirk Bickham and the chance for anyone in attendance to say something about Munz or gun-related violence.

Association President Maria Childs emphasized the importance of educating people about violence in the community.

“We want to reach a larger audience,” Childs said. “We want to make people more aware of gun-related violence.”

A close friend of Munz, Megan Mahoney, spoke from the heart about losing him to violence.

“What happened to him was so unfair,” Mahoney said. “He happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.”

Mahoney spoke of her relationship with Munz and thanked everyone in the audience for supporting the fight against gun violence.

“Joe would be so proud to see his friends here tonight standing up for what is right,” she said.

Bickham also gave an inspiring speech about his personal mission to make a difference in Milwaukee’s violent crime rate.

The Bickham Project is a youth program operating in Milwaukee Public Schools. Bickham started the initiative after he lost his 22-year-old son, Kirk Bickham Jr., to violence.

Since the death of his son, Bickham has dedicated his life to making a positive impact on the gun-related violence problem plaguing Milwaukee and other major metropolitan areas across the country.

“Unfortunately, I can relate to your pain,” Bickham said. “This is a very serious topic I am talking about.”

Bickham urged audience members to keep Munz’s spirit alive and take a stand against gun-related violence. He encouraged everyone to help make a positive change in their communities.

“You’re the bright minds of this city. Take charge,” said Bickham to a predominantly college-aged crowd. “We’re not promised tomorrow, so do it today.”

After Bickham’s speech, the event provided audience members with the opportunity to speak their minds before the focus went back to music, which included punk rock and acoustic acts.

“This cause is important to me because it’s something that college-aged people should care about,” Childs said. “People our age are being affected by gun violence.”

Donations were accepted by the MMA. All donations from the event went to the Bickham Project.

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