June is Gun Violence Awareness Month.
On average, 100 Americans are killed with guns each day, and many of the victims are young and Black. Hadiya Pendleton was one of these victims. At the age of 15, she was shot and killed. To honor her and speak up for gun safety, her friends wore orange—and now so do we.
Today, we join Everytown for Gun Safety, March For Our Lives, and thousands of young people across the country to wear orange in remembrance of victims like Hadiya, and to raise awareness about an issue that is claiming the lives of our young leaders. Your participation is critical in the fight for a future that’s free from the gun-related deaths of innocent people.
Here’s how you can get involved:
- This Saturday, wear orange! Share a picture on social media with #WearOrange and tag @naacp_yc on Instagram. We will be reposting pictures all weekend.
- Contact your local elected officials to let them know that it is time to pass sensible gun safety laws.
- Organize a town hall this month with your elected officials to discuss youth-centered resolutions to prevent gun violence in your community.
By wearing orange, we as activists against gun violence are not just demanding to be seen. We’re also demanding to be heard.
In solidarity,
Wisdom Cole
@NAACP_YC
National Youth and College Organizing Manager
NAACP