National Die In Day

Group of diverse people lying down on the grass, wearing casual outfits, urban park setting, surrounded by protest signs.. — National die in day illustration

Hey there! Are you ready to join in on the morbidly festive National Die-In Day? Well, I hope you're just here to learn about it and not actually participate!

When is Die In Day?

It's national die in day on the 10th June.

The Origins of National Die-In Day

Now, National Die-In Day isn't as grim as it sounds. It's not about celebrating actual deaths, but rather it serves as a powerful protest and awareness movement. National Die-In Day was first observed on June 12, 2018, and emerged as a response to the alarming increase in gun violence in the United States.

Activists and concerned citizens across the country came together to participate in peaceful die-ins. During a die-in, participants lie down on the ground, symbolizing the lives lost due to gun violence. It's a dramatic and impactful way to draw attention to the urgent need for gun reform and to honor the victims whose lives were tragically cut short.

History behind the term 'Die In'

1965

Birth of the Civil Rights Movement

In 1965, during the height of the Civil Rights Movement in the United States, the term 'die in' first emerged. It refers to a form of protest where activists simulate being dead by lying on the ground, often in public spaces such as streets, parks, or government buildings. The purpose of the 'die in' is to draw attention to the injustices and violence faced by marginalized communities, particularly African Americans, and to demand social and political change.

1969

Vietnam War Protests

As opposition to the Vietnam War intensified in the late 1960s, the 'die in' protest tactic gained prominence once again. Activists opposed to the war would stage 'die ins' to symbolize the loss of human life caused by the ongoing conflict. These protests aimed to raise awareness about the devastating consequences of war and put pressure on the government to end its involvement in Vietnam.

1992

ACT UP and the AIDS Crisis

In the early 1990s, the AIDS epidemic reached its peak, with thousands of lives lost due to lack of awareness, stigma, and inadequate healthcare resources. The AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power (ACT UP), a prominent advocacy group, organized 'die ins' as a way to protest the government's slow response to the crisis and demand better access to treatment and support for those affected by HIV/AIDS. By lying down in public spaces, activists aimed to underscore the urgency of addressing the epidemic and ensuring the rights of people living with HIV/AIDS.

2020

Black Lives Matter Movement

In the wake of the killing of George Floyd and the resurgence of the Black Lives Matter movement in 2020, 'die ins' once again became a powerful symbol of protest. Demonstrators took to the streets, engaging in peaceful 'die ins' to condemn police brutality, systemic racism, and demand justice for victims of racial violence. The sight of individuals lying on the ground for extended periods created a visual representation of the lives lost to racial injustice and served as a call to action for societal change.

Did you know?

Did you know that the largest recorded die-in event took place in Washington D.C. with over 1,000 participants lying down in silence for 12 minutes in memory of the Pulse nightclub shooting victims?