; Whereas surviving family members want to remember and honor their loved ones' lives regardless of the circumstances surrounding their death; Whereas survivors of homicide victims are transforming their pain into purpose by informing, influencing, and impacting public policy, and working to create and sustain an environment where all families can live in peace and all people are valued; Whereas survivors, advocates, and providers are working together to implement equitable and effective community-based responses to homicide; Whereas the leadership of surviving family and community members is essential to disrupting cycles of violence and promoting peace in all communities; and Whereas recognition of the needs of survivors can help combat trauma, foster healing, and inform joy for families and communities impacted by homicide: Now, therefore, be it