Debra Gillispie – 2021 Peacemaker of the Year

It is an honor to present Debra Gillispie with the WNPJ Peacemaker of the Year award. She is the founder of Mothers Against Gun Violence and a determined advocate working to end gun violence in her community and throughout the state of Wisconsin.

Debra knows firsthand the power of storytelling. She lost her own son to gun violence in 2003. By telling her story of heartbreak, loss and lasting love for her son she found a vehicle for her healing journey. And she didn’t stop there, she reached out to numerous other victims of gun violence to use their voices and tell their stories. In partnership with UW Milwaukee she worked to collect hundreds of stories, knowing that statistics are not enough. People must understand the human impact behind those statistics.

Debra founded Equity Media and hosts her own radio program. She speaks out against the media stereotyping and stigmatizing members of the African American community, and advocates for change in representation. If you have ever met Debra, you sense instantly she is a shining spirit of compassion and resilience.