When:
🗓️ First Friday in June
Where:
🌐 Everywhere
Since:
2015
🔫🍊
Wear orange instead of guns.
United Against Gun Violence: National Gun Violence Awareness Day
In a world where the suffering caused by gun violence is all too real, it’s time to confront the issue, raise awareness, and take meaningful action. Lives are shattered, communities are left traumatized, and the future seems stolen due to the alarming prevalence of gun violence.
Amidst the heart-wrenching stories and staggering statistics, we must ask ourselves: Can we afford to turn a blind eye to the pain and loss caused by gun violence? How can we join forces and make a genuine difference to ensure a safer future for everyone?
National Gun Violence Awareness Day, observed on the first Friday in June, serves as a powerful reminder of the urgent need for change.
The Origin of National Gun Violence Awareness Day:
National Gun Violence Awareness Day originated from the tragic loss of Hadiya Pendleton, a young woman who was shot and killed in Chicago just days after marching in President Obama’s second inaugural parade.
In remembrance of Hadiya and to raise awareness about gun violence prevention, her childhood friends started wearing orange—the color hunters wear for safety in the woods.
National Gun Violence Awareness Day and Wear Orange were initiated on June 2, 2015, which would have been Hadiya Pendleton’s 18th birthday. Since then, this movement has grown, with National Gun Violence Awareness Day taking place on the first Friday in June, accompanied by Wear Orange Weekend.
National Gun Violence Awareness Day is observed all across the United States, with individuals and organizations working together to curb gun violence.
Understanding the Reality of Gun Violence
The term “gun violence” refers to a variety of actions involving the use of firearms that cause injury, death, or psychological distress.The history of gun violence in the United States is overshadowed by tragic events and senseless loss. Beyond the apparent physical injury, the effects can cause trauma that last a lifetime.
The alarming rise in gun violence during the COVID-19 pandemic further highlights the urgent need for extensive solutions.
To prevent such incidents, we must prioritize safe firearm storage and encourage responsible ownership. Programs like Public Health’s Lock It Up initiative play a vital role in raising awareness and encouraging secure firearm storage practices to reduce accidents and unauthorized access.
How to Attend National Gun Violence Awareness Day
Participating in National Gun Violence Awareness Day is a powerful way to show solidarity, raise awareness, and support the prevention of gun violence. Here are a few ways to get involved:
- Wear Orange:
Wear an orange scarf, shirt, tie, or pin to show your support for the gun control movement. The movement has come to be associated with the color orange, which goes all the way back to the practice of hunters wearing orange to avoid accidents in the woods. - Engage with Community Programs:
Explore initiatives like Public Health’s Regional Gun Violence program, which collaborates with leaders, agencies, and experts to create community-led solutions and improved safety. - Practice Safe Firearm Storage:
Prioritize safe storage of your firearms if you have them to avoid unauthorized access and unexpected shootings. Support initiatives like Lock It Up that encourage community safety and responsible gun ownership. - Share on Social Media:
Share your support on social media platforms using the hashtag #WearOrange. Spread the message, raise awareness, and encourage others to join the movement. The Wear Orange website provides a social media guide to help amplify your voice.
In Conclusion:
As we commemorate National Gun Violence Awareness Day, let us stand together in solidarity, armed not with weapons but with kindness and empathy.
Together, we can raise awareness, advocate for change, and work towards preventing the senseless loss of lives. May each step we take bring us closer to a world free from the tragic impact of gun violence.
Wishing you a future filled with safety, peace, and hope.
“Thoughts and prayers won’t stop a speeding bullet.”
–DaShanne Stokes
#WearOrange #GunViolenceAwarenessDay #NationalGunViolenceAwarenessDay
