MSU holds roundtable on gun violence nearly two years after shooting

Nearly two years after the tragic shooting at Michigan State University (MSU), the university community is leveraging art as a powerful tool for healing and reflection. The “Art in the Aftermath: Healing Gun Violence through Artivism” exhibition has become a cornerstone of this effort, providing a platform for dialogue, education, and collective action. On a Friday afternoon, the Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum hosted a “Perspectives on Gun Violence Roundtable,” a public discussion that brought together over a dozen students, community leaders, and experts to share their perspectives on addressing gun violence. This event was part of a week-long exhibition that aimed to foster understanding and unity in the face of a national crisis.

The roundtable discussion featured a diverse array of voices, each bringing unique insights and experiences to the table. Andi Nations, a second-year MSU medical student and representative of SAFE (Scrubs Addressing the Firearm Epidemic), shared a deeply personal connection to the issue. Having witnessed the aftermath of a mass shooting as a first responder in Oakland, California, Nations emphasized the urgent need for a public health approach to gun violence. SAFE, a national organization, operates under three core pillars: advocacy, research, and education. By treating firearm violence as a public health issue, SAFE seeks to empower individuals and communities to take preventative measures. Nations highlighted the importance of simple yet impactful actions, such as pediatricians asking parents about gun safety during routine check-ups. “If we can ask the questions and secure the funding to study these issues,” Nations said, “we can make meaningful progress in preventing gun violence.”

Another key contributor to the roundtable was Michael Lynn Jr., CEO of the Lansing Empowerment Network, an organization dedicated to building stronger communities through collaboration. Lynn discussed the organization’s efforts to address gun violence by “working upstream” to strengthen communication between law enforcement and the community. One initiative, Lansing 360, is a weekly virtual meeting that brings together law enforcement, community groups, and local leaders to discuss gun violence. Since its implementation, Lansing has seen a 20% reduction in gun violence. Lynn emphasized the value of collaboration and the importance of learning from others. “When people start expanding their minds around how we can affect change, that’s how we find solutions,” he said. “We don’t need to reinvent the wheel; we just need to support those already doing this work.”

The roundtable also included perspectives from MSU’s College of Human Medicine and Advance Peace Lansing, further highlighting the interconnected nature of gun violence and its impact on communities. Aron Sousa, Dean of MSU’s College of Human Medicine, underscored the importance of human connection in preventing violence. “Gun violence doesn’t care about your race, your ZIP code, or whether you’re rural or urban,” Sousa said. “It’s about how we take care of each other—how we protect each other when people are struggling.” This sentiment resonated throughout the discussion, as participants called for a holistic approach to addressing gun violence that prioritizes empathy, education, and community engagement.

The roundtable was just one aspect of the week-long exhibition, which featured a range of events designed to engage the community and inspire action. A student-film premiere on Friday night and a spoken-word event on Saturday provided additional platforms for expression and reflection. Visitors to the exhibition could also contribute their own thoughts and messages to the Soul Box Project, a national initiative that uses art to visualize the lives lost to gun violence. These events not only honored the victims of gun violence but also empowered individuals to become part of the solution.

The “Art in the Aftermath” exhibition and the roundtable discussion underscored the power of art and dialogue in addressing gun violence. By bringing together diverse perspectives and fostering a sense of community, MSU is helping to create a space where healing, education, and advocacy can thrive. As Nations noted, “There are a lot of people doing this work, and it’s important to find those who are already making a difference and offer your support.” Through initiatives like this, the MSU community is proving that even in the face of tragedy, collective action and creativity can lead to hope and change.