In Wisconsin and across the country, gun violence has devastated family after family and terrorized whole communities. In fact, more than 44,000 people died last year in the United States from gun violence, according to the Gun Violence Archive.
“That is why on June 2nd and 3rd, we are joining with caring citizens all across the country in rising up and speaking out,” said Jeri Bonavia, executive director of WAVE Educational Fund. “At a time when our children are asking, ‘Am I next?’ it has never been more important for us to come together to demand real solutions.”
In 2013, teenagers in Chicago asked classmates to honor their murdered friend, Hadiya Pendleton, by wearing orange. That simple action has grown into National Gun Violence Awareness Day, a day in which celebrities, elected officials and millions of Americans will be wearing orange and joining together at picnics, vigils and rallies to loudly and boldly demonstrate their steadfast commitment to ending the gun violence that kills and injures hundreds of Americans every day.
At night, buildings and signs across the country will be going orange, too. Here in Wisconsin, many places including the Madison City-County building, Mitchell Park Domes, Fiserv Forum, and more will light up orange to show their support for ending gun violence.
For a full list of events in Wisconsin, please see below:
Milwaukee
Event: Free Screening, “When Claude Got Shot”
When: Friday, June 2; 6:00 p.m.
Where: Epikos Church, 3737 N Sherman Blvd
Safe and Sound and Epikos Church will offer a free screening of “When Claude Got Shot.” This Milwaukee-based documentary reveals the personal impact of gun violence. Screening followed by a discussion panel with survivors and advocates working to curb gun violence.
Event: Paint the City Orange Peace Walk
When: Saturday, June 3; 11:00 a.m.
Where: Safe and Sound, 4422 W Leon Terrace
Join us as Safe and Sound, Brady United Against Gun Violence, Milwaukee’s Office of Violence Prevention, and WAVE Educational Fund honor victims of gun violence with a peace walk and memorial. Together we will walk in solidarity with the family of victims and survivors of gun violence across our city and state. Free shirts and yard signs will be available for participants.
Event: Drive-Through Memorial
When: Saturday, June 3, Sunday, June 4; 11:00 a.m.- 1:00 p.m.
Where: Sherman Boulevard, between Townsend and Locust streets
The Metro Milwaukee Moms Demand Action group is hosting a drive-through memorial, displaying signs with photographs of Milwaukee residents who have been shot and killed in the city. Please come honor these loved ones and receive a free gun lock.
Madison
Event: Dane County Wear Orange
When: Friday, June 2; 5:00 p.m.
Where: Meadowood Park, 5810 Thrush Lane
Join Moms Demand Action, and Public Health Madison and Dane County to participate in this Wear Orange event, raise awareness, and call for an end to gun violence. There will be food, music, speeches from community leaders, and activities for kids.
Spring Green
Event: River Valley Wear Orange Rally
When: Saturday, June 3, 9:00 a.m.
Where: Spring Green Community Library, 230 E Monroe St
Come together to support victims and survivors of gun violence in our community. Please join the River Valley Moms Demand Action group to honor those lives taken by gun violence.
