National Gun Violence Awareness Day
National Gun Violence Awareness Day: A Day to Honor and Advocate
National Gun Violence Awareness Day is a significant observance dedicated to honoring the lives lost and impacted by gun violence while advocating for a safer future. It serves as a nationwide movement to raise awareness about the gun violence epidemic and inspire collective action to prevent it. The day also highlights the resilience of survivors and the importance of community-driven solutions.
Quick Facts
- When is it?: The first Friday in June each year.
- Tagged as: A public health and awareness movement.
- What’s the hashtag?: #WearOrange
- When was it founded?: June 2, 2015.
- Who founded it?: Inspired by the friends of Hadiya Pendleton, a 15-year-old tragically killed in Chicago.
History of National Gun Violence Awareness Day
The day was inspired by the tragic death of Hadiya Pendleton, who was shot just one week after performing at President Obama’s second inaugural parade in 2013. Her friends honored her memory by wearing orange on her birthday, June 2, symbolizing safety—a color hunters wear to protect themselves. This initiative grew into a national movement, with June 2, 2015, marking the first official observance. The day now falls on the first Friday of June each year, kicking off “Wear Orange Weekend.”
Timeline
- 2013: Hadiya Pendleton’s tragic death sparks the movement.
- 2015: First National Gun Violence Awareness Day observed on Hadiya’s birthday.
- 2016: “Wear Orange Weekend” becomes part of the campaign.
- 2021: Gun violence declared a public health crisis in New York State.
- 2023: Over 1,500 organizations and officials participate in Wear Orange events.
- 2024: The 10th annual observance scheduled for June 7.
Dates by Next Year
| Year | Month and Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | June 7 | Friday |
| 2025 | June 6 | Friday |
| 2026 | June 5 | Friday |
| 2027 | June 4 | Friday |
| 2028 | June 2 | Friday |
| 2029 | June 1 | Friday |
Observed
National Gun Violence Awareness Day is observed through various activities like wearing orange, hosting community events, lighting landmarks in orange, and sharing stories of survivors. It unites individuals, organizations, and leaders to advocate for gun safety measures and honor those affected by gun violence.
Fun Facts About National Gun Violence Awareness Day
- Orange was chosen because it symbolizes safety and visibility.
- The movement has grown to include over 400 events annually across all U.S. states.
- Landmarks like the White House have been lit orange in support of the cause.
Quiz
- What color symbolizes National Gun Violence Awareness Day?
- Who inspired this observance?
- When is National Gun Violence Awareness Day held?
(Answers: 1. Orange; 2. Hadiya Pendleton; 3. First Friday in June)
FAQs
- Why is orange used as a symbol?
Orange represents safety and visibility, traditionally worn by hunters to prevent accidents. - What is Wear Orange Weekend?
It’s the weekend following National Gun Violence Awareness Day, filled with events advocating for gun violence prevention.
Related
- Wear Orange Campaign
- Everytown for Gun Safety
- Moms Demand Action
- Students Demand Action
- Gun Violence Prevention Month