Joy Hollingsworth Calls for ‘Humanity’ and ‘Respect’ in Addressing Citywide Gun Violence
Seattle City Council President Joy Hollingsworth recently joined “The Big O Show” to share her perspectives on the urgent need for a more empathetic, community-centered approach to the city’s ongoing gun violence crisis.
Hollingsworth, who recently made history as the first Black woman elected Seattle City Council President, emphasized that her leadership is rooted in collaboration and mutual respect.
Addressing Trauma Beyond Policy
Hollingsworth discussed the tragic murders of two students, Tyjon Stewart, 18, and Traveiah Houfmuse, 17 at a bus stop outside Rainier Beach High School last month. As a lifelong resident of Seattle's Central District and South End, Hollingsworth argued that the city’s response to such trauma must prioritize genuine human connection over academic or political grandstanding.
"Don't workshop your public safety dissertation on these communities," she said. "Go up, listen, show up, be available, and be present.”
She expressed frustration with those who politicize community pain without understanding the lived reality of those affected.
"I don't have all the answers, but what I do know is that just being a human and just being present... these are just basic things that I think that we have really distanced ourselves from.”
The Big O (left) and Joy Hollingsworth (right) stand in the Black Media Matters Studio. (Photo: Jordan Somers)
A Call for Preventative Investment
Hollingsworth also highlighted a critical imbalance in how the city allocates resources to combat violence. While enforcement, notably the Seattle Police Department, and intervention programs receive significant attention, she argued that measures like youth arts programs, music, and sports have been historically underfunded.
"We have not funded our preventative piece as much as we should," she said, noting that these are the very programs that shaped her own upbringing. She reaffirmed her commitment to refocusing funding toward "boots on the ground" organizations that work directly with youth and families every day.
A ‘Team Captain’ Leadership Style
Reflecting on her position as Council President, Hollingsworth described herself as a facilitator for her colleagues and the city.
"I'm not the captain of the ship. I am the team captain…trying to be that quarterback calling audibles when it's necessary,” she said, stressing that fostering synergy and respect among council members, despite their differing personalities and viewpoints, is the foundation for their collective success.
Community Responsibility and Government’s Role
While acknowledging the government's responsibility to keep citizens safe, Hollingsworth was candid about the limitations of state power. Expanding on the words of The Big O, she affirmed that it is up to the community to engage with issues effectively.
Looking forward, Hollingsworth pledged to hold her colleagues and other elected officials accountable while remaining deeply rooted in the community she serves.
"I hear people... they have my commitment. I'm going to continue to work on this issue,” she said.
Stay tuned for more episodes of “The Big O Show” coming soon on all Converge Media streaming platforms.
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