A poignant moment unfolded during the recent Committee of the Whole meeting as lawmakers rallied behind the Makaya Wilson Way Designation Act of 2023, a bill aimed at memorializing ten-year-old Makaya Wilson, a victim of gun violence in Washington, DC. The legislation seeks to honor her memory and serve as a powerful statement against the ongoing issue of violence in the community.

Makaya Wilson was tragically killed on July 16, 2018, when a group of masked men opened fire in her neighborhood, striking her and several others. Her death ignited outrage and intensified calls for action against gun violence. In the wake of this tragedy, her family established the Makaya Lee Wilson Foundation, dedicated to supporting families affected by similar violence.

Council Member Gray, who reintroduced the bill with support from eight other council members, emphasized the importance of this symbolic designation. "This bill will honor Makaya, who lost her life at the age of ten years old, as a victim of senseless violence," he stated. The designation of a street in her name aims to highlight the urgent need to curb gun violence and celebrate the lives of those impacted by such tragedies.

The Committee of the Whole unanimously recommended the bill for approval, with no opposition voiced during the legislative process. As the community continues to grapple with the effects of gun violence, this memorial serves as a reminder of the lives lost and the collective responsibility to foster a safer environment for all. The anticipated approval of the Makaya Wilson Way Designation Act marks a significant step in honoring her legacy and advocating for change.