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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
Nicole, survivor of gun violence. Her 16 year old son was shot and left disabled. Her 20 year old daughter was shot and killed in a car. “Hug your kids tight everyday.” #GoldenGateBridge #WearOrange pic.twitter.com/Iuqpts22ik
— youthradio (@youthradio) June 2, 2018
Speaker Caitlin King, high school teacher:
“I watch my students sit under their desks in lockdown drills and once it’s over get right back to work. They are the lockdown generation.”#WearOrange #GoldenGateBridge pic.twitter.com/7gqVK3MaYl
— youthradio (@youthradio) June 2, 2018
The theme this year is “Use your voice.”#WearOrange @MomsDemand #GoldenGateBridge pic.twitter.com/mL7wXudyRI
— youthradio (@youthradio) June 2, 2018
We’re nearing the end of the first part of the march. It’s a sea of orange out here. #GoldenGateBridge #WearOrange @MomsDemand pic.twitter.com/YfUsNJ07ws
— youthradio (@youthradio) June 2, 2018
“I’m tired of seeing there’s been another shooting. I have to take action before I’m next.” Shreya, 19 (left)
“And we are next. This is something that directly affects me because we’re both students.” Nikita, 18 (right) #WearOrange #GoldenGateBridge pic.twitter.com/euP38Vh5vc— youthradio (@youthradio) June 2, 2018
This is Marco, 9. He’s holding a poster of his cousin, Aya, who was shot and killed at when he was playing basketball in 2013. Today he is marching for him. #GoldenGateBridge #WearOrange @Everytown @MomsDemand pic.twitter.com/hCX4U4kAcn
— youthradio (@youthradio) June 2, 2018
The crowd has taken over the #GoldenGateBridge walkway for the @MomsDemand #WearOrange march. The line of people extends the entire length of the bridge. “Welcome to San Francisco, we protest on the Golden Gate Bridge.” pic.twitter.com/xSkVIoepmr
— youthradio (@youthradio) June 2, 2018
“We’re here to represent black and brown communities who are most affected by this kind of violence because violence is absolutely preventable.” – Adaobi and Melissa #WearOrange #GoldenGateBridge pic.twitter.com/lcNQsNDZ9P
— youthradio (@youthradio) June 2, 2018
“No more silence, end gun violence,” is being chanted across the #GoldenGateBridge. #WearOrange pic.twitter.com/YcuIhQQMG9
— youthradio (@youthradio) June 2, 2018
Grace Tomlin, 16, is out here with her family and friends. “I wanna be out here to support the student activists who have been so vocal about gun violence.” #WearOrange #GoldenGateBridge pic.twitter.com/TlgFnnf6J9
— youthradio (@youthradio) June 2, 2018
Youth Over Guns: Brooklyn Bridge March
This is exactly what democracy looks like… #MarchForOurLives #YouthOverGuns pic.twitter.com/9d3ScqDpiZ
— John Papanier (@John_Papanier) June 2, 2018
At the #YouthOverGuns march over the Brooklyn Bridge, @Everytown @MomsDemand #TeamEnough #MSDStrong and more are represented among those marching. #WearOrange pic.twitter.com/j1XwWxh6Ie
— youthradio (@youthradio) June 2, 2018
Brooklyn #YouthOverGuns rally speakers are from @NANYouthHuddle and Brady Campaign #TeamEnough pic.twitter.com/DwFulbtyaM
— youthradio (@youthradio) June 2, 2018
Actress-activists Julianne Moore and Susan Sarandon with event organizers at the #YouthOverGuns rally in Brooklyn pic.twitter.com/4cgEehwUFx
— youthradio (@youthradio) June 2, 2018
U.S. Rep. @NydiaVelazquez at the #YouthOverGuns rally in Brooklyn pic.twitter.com/2IyrcgeyDf
— youthradio (@youthradio) June 2, 2018
Lot of energy at the #WearOrange #YouthOverGuns pre-march rally in Brooklyn @MomsDemand pic.twitter.com/hXgluXb9qR
— youthradio (@youthradio) June 2, 2018
Fashion choice on the Brooklyn Bridge today: #WearOrange. #EndGunViolence @Getorgbk @bkindivisible @MomsDemand pic.twitter.com/8kyBOMjzvF
— Anne Hoppe (@AHedit) June 2, 2018
#youthoverguns filling the Brooklyn Bridge. Be afraid, @NRA. #NoRA #WearOrange pic.twitter.com/soI4Ko67Jg
— #NoRA (@NoRA4USA) June 2, 2018
#WearOrange nyc Brooklyn Bridge March #MarchForOurLives #orangeribbonsforjaime #MomsDemandAction pic.twitter.com/vJIaL7kg8G
— tami (@tb4rock) June 2, 2018
Wear Orange Day Becomes Wear Orange Weekend: Saturday
#WearOrange the locals pic.twitter.com/jnrITdisAS
— claire? (@fountxin) June 2, 2018
Here’s my orange! Over a hundred turned out for our FIRST annual #WearOrange walk in Yarmouth, ME! HUGE thanks to our @MomsDemand volunteers! ? pic.twitter.com/L4cpYHJ6hT
— Katie Woods (@MindfulPursuit) June 2, 2018
Youth Leaders Of Today Take Up The Mantle
Today is Gun Violence Awareness Day – wearing orange to honor those hurt and lost ?
— Emma González (@Emma4Change) June 1, 2018
#WearOrange today for the 96 people that die everyday from gun violence.#WearOrange for the 17 we lost in Parkland, the 10 we lost in Santa Fe, the 58 we lost in Vegas, the 49 we lost in Orlando, and the 50 monthly women killed by current or former partners.#WearOrange
— Matt Deitsch (@MattxRed) June 1, 2018
I was invited to speak at the @MomsDemand #WearOrange rally and introduce Lieutenant Governor @FairfaxJustin.
???
Come find me on June 2nd in Alexandria at Market Square at 7pm.
I will be wearing my astronaut suit!??#OrangeGeneration #GUNviolence #Enough #werisetogether pic.twitter.com/EajufecXav— Havana (@TheTinyDiplomat) May 30, 2018
I #WearOrange today for my cousin Tony who was killed on his way to school when he was only 17. ?
He loved his family and he loved football. ??
I know he is smiling at me right now in heaven.#WearOrangeDay #EnoughIsEnough #BlackLivesMatter #ExpectUs @Everytown @MomsDemand pic.twitter.com/B10EyKJECO— Havana (@TheTinyDiplomat) June 1, 2018
The NRA Tried TO Take Back Orange…
? NRA SOCIAL GOING ORANGE: While Everytown for Gun Safety has devoted close to no resources to making citizens safer, the NRA continues to be the world's leading gun safety organization since 1871. ? Send us pics in your orange hunting and NRA gear to be featured. #wearorange pic.twitter.com/16cE7srlZo
— NRA (@NRA) June 1, 2018
…Only To Get Served By Teens
Hey @NRA thank you for your support of us! We must work together to promote sensible gun laws and behavioral intervention programs if we want to end this epidemic. ?? #WeWearOrange
— David Hogg (@davidhogg111) June 1, 2018
#WearOrange Touches The Lives Of Many
it takes a lot to talk to strangers about my dead father and share my story with thousands of strangers. i’m proud of myself, this article, and most importantly my partners in the movement. thank you ? #wearorange #everytown pic.twitter.com/avgMXZ9Po4
— julia spoor #NeverAgain (@smartactivist) June 1, 2018
It’s national gun violence awareness day and the beginning of #WearOrange week. #Enough Stand up to gun violence and push for reform now. pic.twitter.com/ks2dlQzrTQ
— Tess Stuber (@TTstuber) June 1, 2018
We #WearOrange to stand out and loudly demand an America free from gun violence. Join us! #WearOrangeDay2018 #enough pic.twitter.com/mXF4D0tggj
— Global Leaders M378 (@SGL378) June 1, 2018
Actress Mina Sundwall, age 16