National Gun Violence Awareness Day

Young persons wearing orange shirts, holding hands in solidarity, diverse backgrounds, city skyline in the background.. — National gun violence awareness day illustration

Are you wondering why the internet has been painted orange on a particular day? Perhaps you spotted a sea of mentions about gun violence awareness? Well, hold onto your hashtags, because we're about to dive into the fascinating tale of National Gun Violence Awareness Day.

When is Gun Violence Awareness Day?

It's national gun violence awareness day on the 1st June.

A Day for Awareness, Not Targets

Starting its journey as a digital whisper in the forums of the early internet, National Gun Violence Awareness Day has grown into a powerful shout across the web. With mentions soaring to a peak of 265846 on June 1, 2018, this day has certainly made its mark.

Why Orange?

It all starts with the colour orange. Originally a symbol chosen to honour Hadiya Pendleton, a Chicago teen killed by gunfire, it represents the value of human life. On National Gun Violence Awareness Day, orange lights up the internet like a neon sign in a diner window. From Twitter to Instagram, folks hold cyber hands across the globe to 'orange out' against gun violence.

Internet Pulse

In a world where hashtags rule, it's no surprise that #NationalGunViolenceAwarenessDay trended. This little line of digital dominos encapsulates the online camaraderie that can be generated in response to grave issues. Year on year, the fervor increases, providing a platform of education, solidarity, and hope for many.

Harvesting Awareness

This national day has certainly created waves in the grand ocean of cyberspace. It has served to remind us that the internet can be an amazing tool for positive change. So, remember, next time you see a dash of orange online, it's probably not about pumpkins or basketball games but a call to raise awareness about gun violence and make our world a safer place.

History behind the term 'Gun Violence Awareness'

2012

Sandy Hook Elementary School Shooting

On December 14, 2012, one of the deadliest mass shootings in US history occurred at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut. Adam Lanza, an unstable individual, fatally shot 20 children and 6 adult staff members before taking his own life. This tragedy shocked the nation and ignited a national conversation about gun violence and the need for awareness to prevent future incidents.

2013

Wear Orange Campaign

In 2013, a group of Chicago teens launched the Wear Orange campaign to honor the life of their friend, Hadiya Pendleton, who was shot and killed at the age of 15. Orange was chosen as the color because it is often worn by hunters in the woods to signal 'don't shoot.' The campaign quickly gained recognition and became associated with gun violence awareness, encouraging people to wear orange on June 2nd, which would have been Hadiya's birthday.

2014

National Gun Violence Awareness Day

Building on the success of the Wear Orange campaign, the first National Gun Violence Awareness Day was observed on June 2, 2014. This designated day aimed to raise awareness about the impact of gun violence in America and honor the lives affected by it. Supporters wore orange clothing and urged others to join them in promoting gun safety measures.

2015

Gun Violence Awareness Month

As the movement gained momentum, the entire month of June was designated as Gun Violence Awareness Month in 2015. This extension allowed for more significant efforts and initiatives to promote education, advocacy, and community involvement in preventing gun violence. Organizations, activists, and communities across the United States organized events, marches, and discussions to address the issue.

2018

Many States Officially Recognize Gun Violence Awareness Day

In 2018, several states officially recognized June 2nd as Gun Violence Awareness Day. The increased recognition at the state level highlighted the importance of acknowledging gun violence as a pressing issue and demonstrated the impact of grassroots movements in advocacy and policy change. It also encouraged more individuals and communities to participate in raising awareness and working towards solutions.

Present

Ongoing Advocacy and Awareness Efforts

Gun violence awareness continues to be a topic of national concern and public discourse. Activists, survivors, and organizations dedicated to stemming gun violence work tirelessly to advocate for common-sense gun laws, support affected communities, and promote education and prevention initiatives. While progress is ongoing, the term 'gun violence awareness' serves as a reminder of the collective efforts to reduce gun violence and promote a safer society.

Did you know?

Did you know that orange is the official color of National Gun Violence Awareness Day because it’s the color hunters wear in the woods to protect themselves?