Wear Orange

media release: On Friday, June 2, Public Health Madison & Dane County is hosting a Wear Orange rally raising awareness about the urgent need to end gun violence.

“Violence affects every corner of our communities. It’s vital that we come together to make a collective push for change,” said Aurielle Smith, Public Health Director of Policy, Planning, and Evaluation. “This rally gives an opportunity for people from all walks of life to come together to show support as we work toward a future where our neighborhoods are safer for everyone.”

The Wear Orange rally is part of a campaign supporting Everytown for Gun Safety. An organization dedicated to ending gun violence, led by parents, students, survivors, educators, and more.

Public Health is hosting the rally in partnership with Moms Demand Action, Focused Interruption, and Dane County Human Services.

Event speakers include Rep. Sheila Stubbs, Alder Yannette Figueroa Cole (District 10), Alder Jael Currie (District 16), Sheray Wallace (Meadowood Neighboorhood), Lindsey Buscher (Moms Demand Action), Anthony Cooper (Focused Interruption), Melissa Stiles (Be SMART), Randy Molina (Public Health Madison & Dane County).

“No one should live in constant fear of being the next victim of gun violence,” said Lindsey Buscher, State Chapter Lead for Moms Demand Action. “This is a national public health crisis, but it can be tackled at the local level, even as local as individual neighborhoods. By hosting this event, we are starting the conversation, an essential first step toward change.”

The nationwide movement grew from one family’s tragedy. In 2013, a Chicago man shot and killed Hadiya Pendleton, a 15-year-old honor roll student. Friends and loved ones decided to honor her memory by wearing orange. Orange, symbolizing the color hunters wear in the woods to protect themselves and others.

“We’re asking folks to come out wearing their orange, a symbol representing the value of human life and the need to address gun violence,” said Smith.

Participants will gather at Meadowood Park (5810 Thrush Lane, Madison) at 5:00pm to show their solidarity and demand change. There will be food, music, speeches from community leaders, and activities for kids. There will also be resources available and information about gun violence prevention in Dane County.