[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 179 (Monday, December 12, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1707-E1708]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                             TRAVON GODFREY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BARBARA LEE

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, December 12, 2016

  Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mourn the loss of my 
constituent, Travon Godfrey, who was tragically killed by gun violence 
on November 28th, 2016. In this tragedy, Oakland lost a community 
leader, a voice of truth, and a hopeful soul.
  Earlier this year, I had the pleasure of meeting Travon at my town 
hall on gun violence, where he shared the painful impact that gun 
violence had in his life. He stated: ``It shouldn't even be like that--
especially when our kids can't grow up to see the age of 21. We can't 
even see what it feels like to be grown.''
  Travon was right. In 2016 alone, more than 13,000 lives have been 
lost to senseless gun violence.
  That is 13,000 lives too many.
  Mr. Speaker, Travon was just 19 years young. His life was senselessly 
cut short by the very violence he was working to prevent.
  I do, however, take solace in the fact that he did not let his age 
prevent him from speaking out against injustice. He did not sit idly by 
or allow the weight of his pain at losing 9 friends to gun violence to 
consume him. Instead, he got involved.
  Travon was a tireless advocate for his community, his friends and 
public safety.
  He reminded us that senseless gun violence can be stopped--if elected 
officials find the political will to enact common sense gun reforms. It 
breaks my heart to stand here today and share his story--a story that 
he worked so hard to prevent.
  Mr. Speaker, we must live in the light of Travon and prevent gun 
violence from stealing more young people in our community and every 
community across the nation.
  Thank you, Travon, for being an example of what courage and strength 
looks like. You spoke truth to power in so many ways.
  My thoughts and prayers are with the family of Travon during this 
very difficult time and in

[[Page E1708]]

the years ahead as we continue to mourn this devastating loss.
  I will continue your fight, Travon.
  I will continue to demand Congress pass common sense gun reform

                          ____________________