Safer Country's Annual Post-Election Party
Manny Oliver
Please join us on Sunday, November 16, from 4 - 6 pm at a private home in McLean.
Our event will feature Manuel Oliver, the father of Juaquin, who was murdered when he was 17-years-old at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida.
Manny is co-founder of Change the Ref, working to vote out politicians who take NRA money and vote in politicians with gun-safety agendas. He is also head of global outreach at Global Action on Gun Violence.
Manny is currently performing in a funny and moving one man show about his son called, "GUAC," which was his son's nickname. He also arranged for Shepard Fairey, the brilliant artist who created Barack Obama's HOPE poster, to paint a mural of Joaquin in downtown Washington, D.C.
As well, he has garnered national attention for creating an AI-generated avatar version of his son that can literally be interviewed about his death to force the subject to the top of America's mind.
Here's an article on Manny's controversial creation:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2025/08/05/jim-acosta-joaquin-oliver-parkland-ai/
Safer Country will be presenting Manny with its Courage award. Created and donated by Gold Works in Old Town, Alexandria.
We will also be honoring three special Virginians. Clerk of the Fairfax Circuit Court Chris Falcon, former Virginia State Senator George Barker and he owner of Clare and Don's Beach Shack, Rebecca Tax
Chris Falcon
Chris Falcon, was elected in 2023. Already, he is transforming how residents access court services through technology and community outreach.
In particular, Chris has been a leader on emphasizing the value of Virginia's Emergency Substantial Risk Order law, also known as a Red Flag law. In addiion, Chris has a program to distribute gun locks free to people approved for a concealed weapon license.
Born to immigrant parents from Peru and Ecuador, Falcon grew up in Falls Church and attended Fairfax County Public Schools. After law school and a decade of service in Arlington’s court system, he returned to Fairfax County to lead the Circuit Court Clerk’s Office.
George Barker
George was a member of the Senate from 2008 until 2024, representing he 39h District. During his career, he successfully passed many pieces of legislation bu Safer Country is honoring him for his persistence in fighting for and ultimately passing the Emergency Substantial Risk Order law, which is also known as a Red Flag law. Passed in 2020, it enables a judge to temporarily remove the right of a person to own or have a gun if sufficient evidence has been presented to a judge that the person is a danger to themselves and/or others.
Rebecca Tax
Rebecca has been a community leader on gun violence prevention by donating to groups such as "Change the Ref" and "Safer Country." She has also opened her Falls Church restaurant, "Clare and Don's Beach Shack," for like-minded political candidates to meet people and raise donations. .
Co-Sponsors
Ronald Abramson, Peter Appel, Loren Hershey, Laura Mandala, Simpson Development, Laurie Solomon, Ret. Army Col. Gordon Sumner, Boyd Walker
Co-Hosts
J Nicole Bivens Collinson,
Barbara Kinosky, William Way
Special Guests
State Sen. Barbara Favola
State Sen. Saddam Salim
State Del. Rip Sullivan
Co-Sponsors, Co-Chairs, Co-Hosts, and Special Guests will be listed and thanked here and at the event. This list is in development.
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Founded on February 14, 2019, Safer Country is a 501(c)(3) education and advocacy group.
Contributions are tax deductible to the maximum extent of the law. Learn more at safercountry.org.
We especially appreciate checks to avoid processing fees. Checks may be mailed to:
Safer Country
P.O. Box 372
Alexandria, VA 22313-0372
Together we will create a safer country!
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