Strides for Peace remembers Greg Zanis, the Crossman, during National Gun Violence Survivor Week

As National Gun Violence Survivor Week comes to a close, I pay tribute to our beloved Greg Zanis, the Crossman, who died last year. He devoted his life to honoring and humanizing gun violence survivors. 

A gun violence survivor himself, Greg held a special place in the hearts of survivors across the country, and especially in Chicago, where he built a cross and heart for every person killed by the hand of a gun – close to 27,000 in all.  

These crosses were also an important part of our Race Against Gun Violence, helping convey the toll of gun violence in human terms, and honoring those who have lost a loved one.

Mostly, Greg was cherished for bringing love and light to those in their darkest hour. 

As one survivor said — his crosses gave us something to hold on to.  

As Greg said, “I want them to know that I love them and that someone cares.”

Here is our tribute to Greg.