One-on-One

Valerie Biden Owens: Rebooting reason and civility

Friday June 23, 18:20, Stavros Niarchos Hall GNO

Valerie Biden Owens started her speech by sharing a powerful quote from a young boy featured in the Seven Eleven documentary, emphasizing that “every life is an incredible act of bravery.” Fred Guttenberg has been an inspiring example of transforming personal pain into a powerful purpose and exemplifying bravery. In 2017, Fred tragically lost his brother to cancer caused by chemical exposure in the World Trade Center attack. Then, on February 14, 2019, he experienced the devastating loss of his daughter, Jamie, in the Marjorie Stoneman Douglas High School shooting in Parkland. In the wake of his daughter’s murder, Fred’s words galvanized a nation. Fred also shared a meaningful encounter with Joe Biden, highlighting the support he received when the President reached out and encouraged him to channel his newfound mission into actionable steps. Moreover, Valerie and Fred emerged a crucial point regarding the trauma experienced by survivors, victims' families, and affected communities, underscoring the urgent need for a comprehensive national approach to address the issue of gun violence. The conversation reached its conclusion by underscoring the significance of breaking through barriers with individual effort and an unwavering belief in the power of hope.