Gun Violence Awareness Month brings attention to the critical issue of gun violence in the US, where an average of 120 people die in gun-related incidents each day. It specifically focuses on raising awareness about the impact of gun violence, honoring the victims and survivors, and advocating for stronger gun safety measures. So, we had to ask: What is the most important information you need to know about this year’s Gun Violence Awareness Month?

The Most Important Information About Gun Violence Awareness Month 

  • The big picture: Gun Violence Awareness Month draws attention to the pressing crisis of gun violence, which claims over 43,000 lives annually in the US alone. The observance encourages individuals to wear orange, a symbol of the movement, and join efforts to reduce gun-related injuries and deaths.
  • Why it is important: Gun violence is the leading cause of death among children and teens in the US, with mass shootings, domestic violence, and suicides contributing to the crisis. Raising awareness throughout the month of June helps amplify the voices of survivors, advocates for legislative change, and pushes for common-sense gun safety laws to prevent further tragedies.
  • How You Can Get Involved: You can get involved in Gun Violence Awareness Month by wearing orange, supporting advocacy efforts, or organizing your own awareness events:
  • Wear Orange: The #WearOrange movement symbolizes the demand for gun safety. You can easily participate by wearing orange in June to show your support.
  • Support Advocacy Groups: Organizations like Everytown for Gun Safety and Giffords work tirelessly to address gun violence. You can donate, volunteer, or attend their events to support their mission.

A Brief History of Gun Violence Awareness Month

When was this event established: Gun Violence Awareness Month was founded in 2015 to honor Hadiya Pendleton, a 15-year-old girl from Chicago who was shot and killed on a playground just one week after performing at President Obama’s second inauguration in 2013. Her friends launched the Wear Orange movement in her memory, symbolizing the color hunters wear for safety, to raise awareness about the urgent need for gun violence prevention.

How has it developed since then: Over the years, Wear Orange has evolved into a nationwide initiative, drawing participation from millions of people, including survivors, advocates, and celebrities. Gun Violence Awareness Month has become a powerful platform for urging stronger gun control measures, honoring those lost to gun violence, and amplifying the voices of affected communities, serving as a reminder of the ongoing fight for safety and change across the US.

3 Interesting Facts About Gun Violence Awareness Month

  1. Growing Movement: Gun Violence Awareness Month has gained visibility through the illumination of iconic landmarks in orange. For example, notable structures and landmarks like the Empire State Building, the Golden Gate Bridge, and Niagara Falls light up in this vibrant color as a symbol of solidarity and support for gun violence prevention.
  2. Bipartisan Support: Despite political divides on gun legislation, Gun Violence Awareness Month sees support from individuals across the political spectrum who seek common ground on reducing violence and improving safety.
  3. Making a Difference: Gun violence awareness campaigns have played a pivotal role in shaping gun legislation. For example, the advocacy efforts of the March for Our Lives movement, founded by Parkland school shooting survivors, helped push for the passage of stricter gun control measures, including the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act in 2022 and the establishment of the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention in 2023.

Impactful Ninja is passionate about making a positive impact on the world and society. And about enabling you to do so too with news, podcasts and blogs. Become a regular to Impactful Ninja–FLP has joined the movement.

This post has been contributed by a third party. The opinions, facts and any media content are presented solely by the author, and Atlanta Jewish Connector assumes no responsibility for them. Want to add your voice to the conversation? Publish your own post here.