Louis March, who campaigned tirelessly for years to eradicate gun violence and provide support for youth in the Greater Toronto Area, has died.
March’s brother, Adrian Aitcheson, confirmed to CBC News on Monday that March — who was the founder of an advocacy organization called the Zero Gun Violence Movement (ZGVM) — passed away Saturday afternoon after a brief illness.
Aitcheson said March died at Sunnybrook hospital with his wife and son by his side.
“We’re still just huddling together trying to get through this,” Aitcheson said. “It’s a tremendous loss for the family.”
The ZGVM’s website describes March as a volunteer community worker and advocate in the African Canadian community who had been operating in that space for over 30 years. He often spoke about issues of gun violence and youth engagement and mentorship in the media, including many times with CBC News.
Dwight Drummond speaks to Louis March, the founder of the Zero Gun Violence Movement.
Aitcheson said his brother leaves behind a legacy of service and selflessness, and will always be known for his commitment to getting things done — often in an “unapologetic” and “uncompromising” way.
“I think he’s had an incredible influence on me, and the family, and so many people that he’s worked with,” he said.
NDP MPP Chris Glover posted about March on X, formerly Twitter, saying Toronto had lost “a great warrior in the fight against gun violence.
The city has lost a great warrior in the fight against gun violence.<br><br>Louis March brought us together, spoke with all three levels of government and provided support to families & communities who had lost loved ones.<br><br>We must continue his work.<br><br>R.I.P. Louis. <a href=”https://t.co/mneQuYnZvz”>pic.twitter.com/mneQuYnZvz</a>
—@chrisgloverndp
“Louis dedicated his life to ending gun violence in our city,” Glover said in a statement, outlining the sheer amount of work March had done with youth, parents, community members and all three levels of government.
According to the organization’s website, the ZGVM most recently collaborated with over 40 different community organizations in an effort to address the structural and socio-economic conditions that contribute to gun violence.
“Louis leaves a vision for communities with zero-gun violence. As those left behind, it is now our responsibility to work toward making Louis’s vision a reality,” Glover said.
Caribbean African Canadian Social Services (CAFCAN) similarly paid tribute to March on X, calling him a “beacon of unity.
“Louis’s strength, compassion and unwavering spirit will be greatly missed,” the post reads.
At CAFCAN, we are deeply saddened by the news of the passing of our respected elder Louis March.<br><br>Louis March, with over 40 years of dedicated community activism, was a truly inspiring figure with unwavering commitment and passion for the African Canadian community. (1 of 3) <a href=”https://t.co/p4BqIB5sYZ”>pic.twitter.com/p4BqIB5sYZ</a>
—@CanadianAfrican
While Toronto is mourning a pillar of its community, Aitcheson said he’s also trying to reconcile the loss of his big brother — someone who helped shape the man he is today.
Sometimes March would help out as a sounding board for problems, Aitcheson said, but he also helped introduce him to cultural cornerstones like the music of Bob Marley and The Autobiography of Malcolm X.
“He was my hero,” he said. “He was older than me, but he always had time for me.”
Aitcheson said his brother built an organization with a “significant impact” and added he expects the movement will continue on.