By Anthony Joseph

On a warm summer day, hundreds gathered in Toronto at the St Lawerence Centre for the Arts on Front St. to celebrate the life of Louis March, a man whose dedication to community, activism, and advocacy left an indelible mark on the city. March, who passed away on July 20, 2024, at the age of 68, was best known as the founder of the Zero Gun Violence Movement (ZGV), a grassroots initiative that grew into a powerful force for change in Toronto and beyond.

March’s journey from the corporate world to community activism began in earnest in 2013, following a series of tragic shootings in the city. A Jamaican-born resident of Scarborough, March felt a need to address the growing epidemic of gun violence, particularly in marginalized communities. His response was bold and ambitious: “Why not zero gun violence?” he would ask, challenging the prevailing acceptance of violence in certain neighborhoods.

“Louis was always a man of action,” recalled Grace Mitchell, a long-time colleague and friend. “He was fed up with the violence, and he didn’t just talk about it—he did something about it. He brought together over 40 different organizations, agencies, and programs across the city, united by the goal of eliminating gun violence for all, not just for some.”

Speakers from various walks of life shared stories of his impact. Chris Glover, the Member of Provincial Parliament for Spadina-Fort York, spoke about his personal connection to March. “My relationship with Louis started when I became a trustee in 2010,” Glover said. “In 2016, after my son’s friend was killed in an episode of gun violence, Louis was the one who united us, brought us all together on different issues. He was relentless in his pursuit of justice and safety for our communities.”

March’s work with ZGV was not just about addressing the symptoms of gun violence but also tackling its root causes. “As Louis always said, we already have zero gun violence in wealthy neighborhoods,” Glover continued. “The difference is policy. If you address poverty, you address a lot of the gun violence.”

This holistic approach to community safety resonated deeply with those who knew March. Lindis Collins-Bacchus, representing the African Canadian Heritage Association (ACHA), where March served as treasurer, spoke about his dedication and financial acumen. “Louis left a good legacy,” she said. “He made the treasury role seem easy, and his financial literacy allowed ACHA to maintain good bookkeeping, which is crucial for the survival of non-profits like ours.”

But beyond his professional skills, it was March’s personal commitment to the community that stood out. Collins-Bacchus recalled how March was always present, always involved, and always pushing for more. “Louis was everywhere,” she said. “He was up till 2, 3, 4 in the morning, sending emails, organizing, making sure everything was in order. His commitment was amazing.”

March’s legacy, however, is not just one of tireless work—it’s also a reminder of the importance of self-care. “We have to be careful and look after ourselves when we work in the community,” Collins-Bacchus reflected.

The celebration also featured tributes from other high-profile figures, including a message from Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow, who described March as “a light when the journey grew dark and difficult.” She urged those present to continue his work, to replace anger with hope, guns with art and music, and despair with love. “Yes, that is what Brother Louis is calling us to do,” she said. “I am ready to make that commitment. Are you?”

One of the most poignant moments of the day came when Mello Ayo, a poet and activist, shared a moving tribute to March. “Louis March, may you rest in perfect peace, in paradise,” he said, capturing the collective sentiment of the crowd. March’s life was a testament to the power of community, the importance of action, and the belief that change is possible, even in the face of overwhelming odds.

As the celebration came to a close and moved to the park, those in attendance were reminded of the challenge ahead: to keep March’s legacy alive, to continue the fight for justice and safety in Toronto, and to work together for a future where zero gun violence is not just a dream but a reality. March may no longer be with us in body, but his spirit, his passion, and his commitment to the cause will live on in the hearts and minds of all who knew him special thanks went out to his son Troy and wife Wendy for sharing Louis March with the community.