The tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn., brought the nation together in grief. Like all-too-many similar occurrences in this nation’s history, it has also reignited a debate on gun control laws. Here is a round up of what experts of color are saying about gun violence and how what happened in Newtown is an unfortunate example of why gun control reform is imperative.

We’ve never needed safe play spaces in our communities more than we do now. Nearly a third of kids and adolescents in America – and two-thirds of adults – are overweight or obese.Many are urged to get more exercise but can’t follow this advice very easily where they live. Walking and bicycling are dangerous on roads designed for cars. Safe parks and playgrounds can be few and far between, especially in low-income communities.

The measurements of childhood obesity go beyond the scales, the doctors’ offices, and health care dollars. Overweight and obese children are underperforming in the classroom and on standardized tests. The support of policies and funding that would improve the health outcomes for 30 percent of our school aged children would help to elevate test scores, graduation rates and overall academic performance.