Young people around the country took to social media this weekend to participate in the Wear Orange campaign to bring awareness to the 96 people who die each day from gun violence in America.
To commemorate National Gun Violence Awareness Day, thousands used #WearOrange and posted messages in memory of those who’ve lost their lives and in support of tougher gun legislation. Friday’s social media campaign is part of the larger Wear Orange Weekend, a national movement that advocates for tougher gun legislation.
Orange represents the color worn by Hadiya Pendleton’s friends after the 15-year-old was shot and killed in 2013, just days after performing at Barack Obama’s inaugural parade. Wanting to protest gun violence, the friends formed Project Orange Tree. Their work would lay the foundation for National Gun Violence Awareness Day.
Saturday’s marquee events include a march on New York City’s Brooklyn Bridge and the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco.
Moms Demand Action: Golden Gate Bridge March
Youth Over Guns: Brooklyn Bridge March
Wear Orange Day Becomes Wear Orange Weekend: Saturday
Youth Leaders Of Today Take Up The Mantle
The NRA Tried TO Take Back Orange…
…Only To Get Served By Teens
#WearOrange Touches The Lives Of Many
Actress Mina Sundwall, age 16