UG Support shown During Gun Violence Awareness Day
Published on June 06, 2023
On Friday, June 2, 2023, Mayor Tyrone Garner along with District Attorney Mark Dupree, Undersheriff Emmett Lockridge, Officers from the Kansas City, KS Police Department, and UG staff joined Moms Demand Action volunteers and community members at the Wyandotte County Courthouse to stand up against gun violence in Wyandotte County communities.
To recognize the kick-off of gun violence awareness weekend individuals at the event wore the color "orange" to support and honor survivors of gun violence and had a moment of silence to remember those who have died due to gun violence in Wyandotte County.
"Curbing gun violence, which also includes the illegal possession and irresponsible use of guns in our community must be a continuous priority in our quest to preserve and protect lives in Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas," said Mayor Tyrone Garner. "I am honored to give a proclamation for gun violence prevention as well as stress the need to stop all gun related violence."
At the Thursday, June 8, 2023, full commission meeting, Mayor Garner will present a proclamation for Gun Violence prevention.
June 2, 2023 - Gun Violence Awareness Day Photos
Why Orange?
On January 21, 2023, Hadiya Pendleton marched in President Obama's second inaugural parade. One week later, Hadiya was shot and killed on a playground in Chicago. Soon after this tragedy, Hadiya's friends commemorated her life by wearing orange, the color hunters wear in the woods to protect themselves and others. Wear Orange is now observed every June. Thousands of people wear the color orange to honor Hadiya and the more than 40,000 people who are killed with guns and approximately 85,000 who are shot and wounded every year.