04 Jun End Gun Violence / Wear Orange 4th!

End Gun Violence / Wear Orange June 2nd-4th!

There have been more than 200 mass shootings across the US so far this year, according to the Gun Violence Archive, which defines a mass shooting as an incident in which four or more people are injured or killed. Their figures include shootings that happen in homes and in public places.

President Biden Announces New Actions to Reduce Gun Violence and Make Our Communities Safer

June 4th is recognized as National Gun Violence Awareness Day in the United States. This day was first established in 2015 by a group of activists who were inspired by the tragic death of Hadiya Pendleton, a 15-year-old girl who was shot and killed in Chicago. Hadiya was an honor student and a member of her school’s marching band. She was shot and killed just one week after performing at President Obama’s second inauguration. In honor of Hadiya, and the countless other victims of gun violence, her friends and family members established National Gun Violence Awareness Day and chose the color orange as a symbol of the movement.

Wear Orange: Ways To Participate

Why orange? It’s the color hunters wear in the woods to protect themselves. Wear Orange is now observed every June. Thousands of people wear the color orange to honor Hadiya and the more than 43,000 Americans killed with guns and approximately 76,000 more who are shot and wounded each year.

Gun violence is a major public health issue in the United States. This includes homicides, suicides, and accidental shootings. And although the impact of gun violence is felt in communities across the country, from urban areas to rural towns, gun violence has a disproportionate impact on certain communities. Black Americans are more likely to be victims of gun violence than any other racial or ethnic group. Additionally, gun violence is a leading cause of death for children and teens in the United States. 

48,830 people died from gun-related injuries in the US during 2021, according to the latest data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). That’s almost an 8% increase from 2020 figures, which was a record-breaking year for firearm deaths. Compounding the impact of gun violence is the fact that more than half of the total gun-related deaths in 2021 were suicides.

One of the most important ways to address gun violence is through common-sense gun safety measures. This includes measures such as universal background checks, red flag laws, and restrictions on high-capacity magazines and assault weapons. These measures have broad public support, with polls consistently showing that a majority of Americans support measures to reduce gun violence. Another important aspect of addressing gun violence is addressing the root causes of violence. This includes addressing issues such as poverty, lack of access to mental health care, and systemic racism. By addressing these underlying issues, we can help to prevent violence before it occurs.

National Gun Violence Awareness Day is an important opportunity to raise awareness about the impact of gun violence and to advocate for common-sense gun safety measures. There are many ways to get involved in this important issue. Here are a few ideas:

1. Wear Orange: Orange is the color that has come to symbolize the fight against gun violence. On National Gun Violence Awareness Day, wear orange to show your support for this important cause. You can also share a photo of yourself wearing orange on social media with the hashtag #WearOrange.

2. Attend an Event: Join Nicole Williams and South Los Angeles Moms Demand Action for Wear Orange as they honor the lives stolen by gun violence in South LA. The group will gather in solidarity and participate in the installation of a new mural honoring gun violence victims. Be sure to Wear Orange.

Sunday, June 4, 1:00 PM

Lupita’s Bakery

1848 W Florence Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90047

3. Contact Your Elected Officials: One of the most important ways to advocate for common-sense gun safety measures is to contact your elected officials. Let them know that you support measures such as universal background checks and red flag laws. You can find contact information for your elected officials at usa.gov/elected-officials.

4. Donate to Organizations Working to End Gun Violence: There are many organizations working to end gun violence like  South Los Angeles Moms Demand Action. Consider making a donation to one of these organizations to support their important work.

5. Talk to Your Friends and Family: Gun violence is a complex issue, and it can be difficult to know where to start. One important step is to talk to your friends and family about the impact of gun violence and the need for common-sense gun safety measures. By starting a conversation, you can help to raise awareness and build support for this important issue.