For Immediate Release

Thursday, August 15, 2019

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Patrick Coyne, Communications Manager, 617-939-0800

Shannon Watts to Deliver Keynote Address at the Massachusetts Democratic Party’s 2019 Statewide Convention

Ms. Watts is the Founder of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, a nonprofit organization which advocates for gun control and against gun violence

BOSTON — Today, the Massachusetts Democratic Party announced that the Founder of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, Shannon Watts, will be the keynote speaker at the Party’s annual convention on September 14th in Springfield. Massachusetts Attorney General, Maura Healey, will introduce Ms. Watts at the Convention.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to address the 2019 Massachusetts Democratic Convention,” said Shannon Watts, founder of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America. “Gun violence is a national crisis threatening the lives of every American, which is why so many of us have stood up to the gun lobby and proven that we can win this fight. I’m excited to speak with a room full of passionate activists who understand why this fight is so critical, and who are committed to helping us reach a future free of gun violence.”

“Shannon is a true leader and an inspiration to me and so many across this country, and we are honored that she will speak to Massachusetts Democrats this year,” said Maura Healey, the Massachusetts Attorney General. “We stand side-by-side with her as we demand action on gun violence. How many more innocent lives must be lost before Washington finally does its job?”

“We are thrilled to have Shannon Watts speak to us at this year’s action agenda convention,” said Gus Bickford, Chair of the Massachusetts Democratic Party. “This Convention is about giving Democratic activists the tools they need to make progress on the real issues facing this country. The need to address our gun crisis couldn’t be more real, and Shannon has been a leader of one of the most effective organizations taking this issue on.”

Shannon Watts is a mother of five who, prior to founding Moms Demand Action, was a stay-at-home mom and former communications executive. The day after the Sandy Hook tragedy, Shannon started a Facebook group with the message that all Americans can and should do more to reduce gun violence. The online conversation turned into a grassroots movement of Americans fighting for public safety measures that protect people from gun violence. Moms Demand Action has established a chapter in every state of the country and is part of Everytown for Gun Safety, the largest gun violence prevention organization in the country, with nearly 6 million supporters. In addition to her work with Moms Demand Action, Watts is an active board member of Emerge America, one of the nation’s leading organizations for recruiting and training women to run for office. Her book, Fight Like a Mother, was released in May of 2019.

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