June 2 Is National Gun Violence Awareness Day in Pasadena

The Pasadena City Council announced on Monday that the City will recognize June 2, 2023, as National Gun Violence Awareness Day, a declaration aimed at commemorating victims and survivors of gun violence while endorsing strategies to prevent future tragedies.

Day One, a local non-profit public health organization with a track record spanning three decades in promoting health education, empowering youth, and instigating change in San Gabriel Valley, will accept the proclamation. 

The declaration underscores that gun violence pervades all sections of society, disproportionately impacting communities of color, amplifying the risks in domestic violence situations, and augmenting physical harm to children and young individuals.

The announcement concluded with an appeal to citizens, businesses, and institutions to collaboratively work towards minimizing gun violence within the community.

This day marks the beginning of the annual Wear Orange Weekend, from June 2-4, an event that honors the memory of Hadiya Pendleton, a 15-year-old Chicago native shot dead in 2013 shortly after her performance at President Obama’s second inauguration parade. Following her untimely demise, Hadiya’s friends chose to wear orange, a color symbolizing protection among hunters, as a tribute to her.

Residents of Pasadena are urged to sport orange attire from June 2-4 in solidarity with the gun violence prevention movement and share pictures on social media using the hashtag #WearOrange.

On June 2, Pasadena police officers will don orange ribbons, and signs saying, “I wear orange because _____” will be available at community centers for individuals to fill out. A limited number of orange ribbons will also be distributed at community centers.

Additional Wear Orange Weekend Events:

DO #WearOrange Selfie Challenge, presented by Day One

Friday, June 2
Pasadena youth, families and community members are invited to share selfies on social media
wearing orange in solidarity against gun violence. Tag @day1do and @CityOfPasadena and
use hashtags: #WearOrange #Day1DO #OrangeDena
Orange You Ready for Gun Control?!

Friday, June 2 • 4-6 p.m. • 175 N. Euclid Ave.
Join Day One, friends and neighbors for an afternoon of community, conversation and orange
sherbet. Conversation will focus on gun control and how Pasadenans can work together to keep
youth and communities safe.