ROBERT & KEBA
GUNS DOWN PENS UP, INC.
Let your words make the mark, not your weapons.
ABOUT US
Robert & Keba Guns Down Pens Up, Inc. is a legacy-rooted, survivor-led 501(c)(3) gun violence and crisis prevention nonprofit organization based in Brownsville, Brooklyn, serving Brownsville and surrounding communities. Founded by Ella Christian in loving memory of her son, Robert Louis Black, whose life was taken by gun violence, and her sister, Keba Grazette, who passed away from colon cancer, the organization reflects her courageous decision to stay—turning personal loss into community purpose. We provide the vital crisis support, youth intervention, follow-up care, and health awareness that families often lack in the wake of tragedy, building safer, healthier, and more resilient communities rooted in healing, hope, and lasting change.
OUR STORY
Robert & Keba Guns Down Pens Up, Inc. grew from personal loss and a determination to turn pain into purpose. After Robert Louis Black was killed by gun violence, Ella Christian was left to navigate grief, trauma, and unanswered questions without meaningful outreach, guidance, or support. Keba Grazette’s death from colon cancer also revealed the importance of wellness awareness, early education, grief support, and family care.
Those experiences shaped an organization that brings violence prevention, healing, literacy, wellness, mentoring, and practical resource connection together under one mission. Robert’s legacy anchors our youth safety, mentoring, literacy, and leadership work. Keba’s legacy anchors our wellness awareness, colon cancer prevention and early screening education, grief support, and family care.
Through the Power of the Pen, we help young people and families use their voices, tell their stories, make positive choices, and build safer pathways forward.
Ella Christian
Founder & Executive Director
OUR VALUES
Greatness. Discipline. Purpose. Unity.
These values guide the way we serve, lead, and build community. GDPU believes every young person deserves the chance to grow in greatness, practice discipline, live with purpose, and be surrounded by unity.