- Jun 2, 2020
- 2 min read
We think about Tom every day. But every year, starting the first weekend in June, we honor Tom and everyone killed or injured by gun violence, by Wearing Orange - on National Gun Violence Awareness Day, and dedicating ourselves to fighting for justice, peace, and a future free from gun violence. This year, in light of the horrible toll that coronavirus and racial injustice have taken on our country, we honor these victims even more, as the same communities that suffer the most from gun violence are also those impacted more severely by sickness, racial bias, and social injustice. And while we are all shocked and consumed by the injustice in Minneapolis and the underlying issues that exist in cities around the country, we must never forgot those who have been killed by gun violence, as they can no longer speak or stand for their rights. All of these problems are linked together and need to be addressed to bring about real change. Tom would be out there today, if he could, still serving the communities who have suffered the most from Covid-19, violence, and racial injustice - and he would be standing shoulder to shoulder with those speaking George Floyd's name and protesting the injustice and inequality that still plagues our country.
Betsy and I filmed this video for Moms Demand Action and the Everytown Survivor Network with the help of our talented and dear friend Grey Korhonen. We encourage you to find a virtual Wear Orange event near you, or to post your #wearorange photos on social media
on June 5th. We also encourage you to support local organizations around the country that are helping the communities devastated by gun violence. Everytown and Moms Demand Action are gathering donations that go 100% towards small, community based organizations - including DC's Momma's Safe Haven. They really need the financial support, and their work directly helps save lives and addresses the trauma of gun violence. Donations can be made here over the next few days:
Finally, for many other opportunities to get involved during Wear Orange month, check out https://wearorange.org/
Thank you for all the love you have shared with us, and for all that you do to bring about peace and justice in our world.
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