#WearOrange for Gun Violence Awareness - June 5th-7th
We CAN end gun violence! In 2013 Hadiya Pendleton of Chicago was shot and killed on a playground, just one week after marching in President Obama’s second inaugural parade. Hadiya’s friends far and wide began wearing the color orange to commemorate her life. Orange is the color hunters wears in the woods to protect themselves and others. Hadiya’s senseless death marked the beginning of the “Wear Orange” movement which now coincides with National Gun Violence Awareness Day (weekend), June 5th-7th.
Poughkeepsie Quaker Friends are encouraged to #WearOrange to Meeting for Worship on Sunday June 7th. There are many other ways to get involved with the 2026 Wear Orange activities including a “Roll Call and Remembrance” event at Waryas Park and the Cuomo Bridge Lighting in Nyack. Visit the official Wear Orange website for more details. https://wearorange.org/ways-to-participate/
In 2024, 44,447 people died by firearms in the United States. This is an average of one gun-related death every 12 minutes. For several consecutive years, firearms have remained the leading cause of death for American children and adolescents. The data is clear, we MUST work to end gun-violence. Whether it be through community interventions, safety laws and policies, or mental health and school support, we can make a real difference. Wear Orange and let it be an inspiration to you to get involved in this important work.
