June 2 is National Gun Violence Awareness Day, when Americans across the country wear orange to send the message that there is more that can be done to combat gun violence. Gun violence is a real issue in America, and it kills more than 90 Americans every day and injures hundreds more. On this day, we wear orange, the color hunters wear to avoid being shot, to stand out as we demand action.
National Gun Violence Awareness Day began in 2013 after the death of Hadiya Pendleton, a fifteen year old who was shot and killed in Chicago one week after performing at events for President Obama’s second inauguration Her friends wore Orange in her honor and asked America to “stand up, speak out, and raise awareness about gun violence.” Now, millions across the country band together in their flashy orange garb to raise awareness and take action.
For more information, visit wearorange.org. If you are interested in taking action, there is a large Los Angeles Wear Orange Rally in Grand Park in Downtown Los Angeles.