Pastor Brenda Mitchell

Pastor Brenda Mitchell (Chicago, IL)
Senior Survivor Fellow, Survivor Membership Lead Volunteer
Moms Demand Action, Illinois Chapter

Key Audiences / Issue Areas: Survivors, City Gun Violence, Faith, Trauma, former Health Care administrator, Guns in Public, Impact of Gun Violence on Black Americans, Keep Guns Out of Wrong Hands (Disarm Hate) / Keep Communities Safe (Prohibit Open Carry, Strong Standards for Carrying Concealed Guns in Public, Require Permits to Carry Concealed Guns in Public)

Twitter Handle: @BrendaKMitchell

Organizations / Affiliations: Pastor, Full Gospel Christian Assemblies International, Purpose Over Pain, Cook County Southland Juvenile Justice Council, Past School Board Member, Trustee, Village of University Park, IL

Brenda Mitchell is a pastor, a gun violence survivor and Survivor Membership Lead Volunteer with the Illinois chapter of Moms Demand Action. In 2005 Pastor Brenda’s son, Kenneth, was shot and killed one week after his younger brother Kevin left for his third tour of duty in Afghanistan an extension of Iraqi Freedom. He lost his brother in a free country. A single parent, Kenneth left behind 3 sons, 1 born 30 days after his death. Who did not understand how everyone knew his father but him.

Since her son’s death, Pastor Brenda has become a dedicated advocate for gun violence prevention with an emphasis on trauma. Her focuses include supporting those who suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, promoting the importance of trauma informed resources and care while urging others to speak out about the devastating impact of gun violence on families and communities. She serves on the Everytown Faith Advisory Committee and is a Complicated Grief and Mindfulness Counselor. She continues to work as a Human Resources Professional prior to her son’s death.

Read more about Brenda’s here.

Selected Clips/Events:
● Pastor Brenda was featured in a NowThis video talking about gun violence and her
experience as a gun violence survivor.
● Pastor Brenda has testified before the House Committee on Energy and Commerce about
gun violence and public health (testimony begins at 32:30).
● Pastor Brenda was recently featured in an episode of the podcast Blessed Are the
Feminists.
● Pastor Brenda’s story was highlighted in a Chicago Tribune article about gun trafficking.