City of Gainesville takes next steps in the fight against gun violence

City of Gainesville takes next steps in the fight against gun violence

Published on September 26, 2025

The City of Gainesville is taking the next steps in its ongoing, innovative approach to preventing gun violence with a pair of efforts that blend culture, conversation and community action: a live performance of the solo play On Sight by nationally recognized scholar and performer Dr. Micah Johnson, and a series of town hall meetings to shape the Community Gun Violence Prevention Alliance's first strategic plan.

The free performance of On Sight is scheduled at 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 10, at University Auditorium, 333 Newell Drive, to mark World Mental Health Day. Hosted by actor and comedian DC Young Fly, the one-man show blends comedy, culture and life skills to connect with young audiences on conflict mediation, emotional regulation, and emotional wellness.

"Art and culture have the power to open doors for conversations that might otherwise be closed," said Gainesville City Manager Cynthia W. Curry. "By welcoming Dr. Johnson and giving him this platform, we are continuing to use every tool available to interrupt cycles of violence and build new norms rooted in resilience, education and understanding."

Johnson, an associate professor in the Department of Family Medicine at the UCLA Geffen School of Medicine, brought his acclaimed solo play Never Had a Friend to Gainesville in 2023. The performance was part of the city's participation in One Nation One Project (ONOP), a two-year national arts and health initiative that connected cities across the country through creative projects designed to promote community well-being and unity. With On Sight, Dr. Johnson animates his message with a fresh approach made for teens and young adults. Future recordings and an accompanying workbook will allow schools and youth organizations to replicate the dynamic through group conservation and classroom instruction.

"I use comedy, storytelling, and raw emotion," said Dr. Johnson. "These are powerful therapeutic and pedagogical tools to deliver critical skills and knowledge that strengthen families and communities."

The On Sight performance, which is free and open to the public, is funded by the City of Gainesville through American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) allocations designated for local gun violence prevention initiatives.

Town Halls for the Community Gun Violence Prevention Alliance

As another step in Gainesville's continuing emphasis on public safety, the city and its partners are inviting residents to help chart a path forward for the Community Gun Violence Prevention Alliance by participating in town hall meetings scheduled for early October.

The Alliance partnership is anchored by the City of Gainesville, Alachua County and Santa Fe College, which together collaborate with community members and local organizations. The development of the Alliance's strategic plan will be spearheaded by consultant DPI, LLC and funded by the Children's Trust of Alachua County.

The interactive town halls, which are free and open to the public. provide neighbors an opportunity to share their experiences and opinions so they can help guide the plan's formation.

Upcoming town halls include:

• Wednesday, Oct. 1 at 5:30 p.m.

Gainesville Police Department (Hall of Heroes), 545 NW 8th Ave., Hosted by the Black on Black Crime Task Force

• Saturday, Oct. 4 at 10 a.m., Virtual meeting

• Tuesday, Oct. 7 at 6 p.m., Virtual meeting

Together, the On Sight experience and scheduled town halls reflect the city's ongoing commitment to meeting the challenge of community gun violence with compassion and collaboration. By combining cultural experiences with grassroots planning, the city is building a comprehensive framework to reduce violence, build resilience and support the next generation.

For more information about the On Sight performance or the Alliance town calls, contact Gainesville Community Health Initiatives Director Brandy Stone or Gun Violence Intervention Program Manager Brittany Coleman.

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