Gun violence plagued Ramon Contreras' Harlem neighborhood, eventually taking the life of one of his longtime friends. After the tragic incident, Ramon made it his mission to advocate for inclusive gun reform in communities of color. He is the co-founder of the youth-led group Youths Over Guns, which was formed by students of color following the Parkland, Florida mass shooting.
On June 2, 2018, Ramon marched across the Brooklyn Bridge alongside other activists to protest gun violence, carrying a casket to symbolize the permanent effects that pulling a trigger can bring. Thousands were in attendance of the evocative event that highlighted protesters' love for human life. The 20-year-old is currently an active member in Team Bloomberg's National Constituencies and Coalitions, and aspires to become a lawyer.
