Houses of Worship, Funerals, Vigils, and Wakes

This chapter shifts from celebrations to solemn occasions and shows gun violence at houses of worship, funerals, vigils, and wakes. These public events signify a profound moment of reflection and sadness. Nevertheless, gun violence knows no boundaries or settings, severely compromising these places and times to reinforce the toll that guns take on these institutions and moments. Black and Latino houses of worship and funeral homes are key cultural institutions that are often overlooked in our understanding of gun violence in urban communities. Gun violence at these institutions and moments compromises community well-being, transforming public events and spaces during particular periods in our lives.