As mass shootings and gang violence continue to escalate, many people are demanding tangible action—including the San Francisco chapter of the Brady Campaign, which regularly hosts gun buybacks that have gotten thousands of weapons off the streets, as well as organizes rallies and actions at City Hall.

On Sunday, gun control proponents can join SF Brady for an uplifting afternoon concert at Victoria Manalo Draves Park. The free concert, hosted in collaboration with United Playaz and SF Rec and Park, is one of more than 300 events taking place across the country as part of The Concert Across America to End Gun Violence, a massive grassroots movement which coincides with the country's National Day of Remembrance For Murder Victims.

"It takes the 'hood to save the 'hood," says Rudy Corpuz of United Playaz, a SoMa-based youth mentoring and gun violence prevention community center.

He introduced us to Glen Holden, now 66, who served 45 years in jail, a number of them in solitary confinement. "I went to prison for assault and battery on a cop," he said. "I killed a guy in prison in 1972." 

Holden, who "had been to the parole board 20 times" before he was finally released in January 2015, told us he no longer recognized the world he reentered after his decades in prison. "I don't see kids playing on the streets anymore. It's a different atmosphere."

To help bring about change, Holden now works closely with Corpuz at United Playaz, showing neighborhood youth that they can have better lives beyond gangs and gang-related violence. 

"I give them that message," said Holden. "I share what I've learned from my life experiences ... I've been given an opportunity, a new beginning. I have a newfound freedom to adjust and give back to the community—who are our future leaders. I can give them hope." 

Holden also points out that not all gun-related deaths are due to gangs. "My sister committed suicide," he recalled. "She had a mental breakdown, and a gun was found in the cabinet of the home where she was seeking holistic therapy. We have to be responsible about having guns in the house." 

Both Holden and Corpuz will be on hand for Sunday's concert, which will be hosted by Lady Ray of KMEL FM and rap artist Big Rich. Tower of Power's Rick Stevens, himself an ex-convict, is the headliner. Other performers include Oakland rapper Mistah F.A.B, Latin rock band Dakila, Israeli reggae artist Lior Ben-Hur, and Hittsville Soul Sisters. There will also be a speaker's program.

Holden and Corpuz are urging neighbors to stop by to hear some good music and stand up for the cause. 

"Be part of the solution," Corpuz said. "Don't wait for somebody you know to get hurt. Gun violence affects everyone—get involved now."