The crisis of gun violence in Pennsylvania must be addressed, and one of the ways we are building awareness is through #WearOrange. Join us in action during the first week of June.
We will be holding events and organizing opportunities across the Commonwealth throughout June, to educate the public about the drivers of gun violence and the ways we can advance policies to interrupt the cycles of gun violence.
Make sure to RSVP for any of the events listed below (and check back in for more events as they’re scheduled). We also would love to see your selfies wearing orange on social media. Be sure to use the #WearOrange hashtag so we can find it!
This year, without legislative action, more than 1700 Pennsylvanians will die from gun violence and thousands more will be injured and traumatized by this crisis.
June 1st: Gun Violence through Youths Eyes: A Discussion with Congressman Evans
West Philadelphia @ 10 AM
CeaseFirePA, March for Our Lives, and the Charles Foundation will host a roundtable discussion with Congressman Evans on how gun violence is impacting youth in Philadelphia and solutions they see as necessary. The event is invite only (open to media). Contact Adam Garber with questions at adam.garber@ceasefirepa.org, (215)923-3151
June 3rd: End Gun Violence Now Rally in Norristown
On June 3rd, 2022 at 10am CeaseFirePA will take over the Montgomery County Courthouse steps, to rally for an end to the senseless gun violence in the commonwealth. People from all over Montgomery County will be gathering at the steps, to share their diverse experiences, as well as how their lives have been impacted by gun violence in MontCo. It is time to make your voice heard and presence known, join us at the Montgomery County Courthouse steps to make your impact felt!
June 3rd: Community Gathering and Peace Walk in Pittsburgh
Please join us in Pittsburgh’s Historic Hill District for our Wear Orange Pittsburgh community gathering. We will honor and recognize gun violence survivors, community partners, and those whose lives have been taken due to gun violence. A community walk from the Hill District to the Cultural District will take place following the community gathering. Refreshments will be offered. Together, we can build a future free from gun violence. Stand up, speak out, and participate in Wear Orange events to raise awareness. Questions? Please contact Beth Foringer at 412-312-6064 x 705 or beth@ceasefirepa.org This event is being organized by the following community partners: Moms Demand Action, AD 99 Solutions, CeaseFirePA, Be SMART for Kids, H.O.O.P, and Squirrel Hill Stands Against Gun Violence.
June 3rd: National Gun Violence Awareness Day in Uniontown
Please join us for Uniontown’s Wear Orange – National Gun Violence Awareness Day. At this community gathering, we will honor and recognize gun violence survivors, community partners, and those whose lives have been taken due to gun violence. A community walk will take place starting on Evan Street and ending at Grant Street Park. Refreshments will be offered and there will be activities for children, . Together, we can build a future free from gun violence. Stand up, speak out, and participate in Wear Orange events to raise awareness. Sponsored by SKW Foundation, Inc. & Crime Victim Center Contact Ramona Reeves at skwfound@gmail.com for more information. (12:00 PM to 3:00 PM)
June 3rd: A Community Conversation in Erie
Gun violence is surging amid the pandemic. Homicides spiked 39% in PA in 2020. Last year was another one of pain and loss, and Erie has seen horrific shooting incidents so far in 2022. This violence disproportionately impacts Erie’s Black communities. Join our panel of experts for a conversation on how community-based strategies can reduce this violence – if they have enough funding. Location: ECAT’s Ada Lawrence Community Room. *Face masks are required to be worn by all attendees* Panelists include: Dr. Adrienne Dixon, President & CEO of the Sarah A. Reed Children’s Center; Daryl “Brother D” Craig, Co-Founder of the Blue Coats; and Tyshun Taylor, a Client Advocate with Erie County Re-Entry Services & Support Alliance and a volunteer with Men Building Men.
June 4th: Chester Community Coalition for Peace Walk
Join CeaseFirePA and the Chester Community Coalition for a Peace Walk to remember those lost to gun violence. On Saturday, June 4, we will gather at 9th and Kerlin St. in Chester to march and #WearOrange at 10 AM to support survivors and to honor our commitment to ending gun violence. The walk will conclude at Memorial Park with a community picnic, face painting, a soul box project activity, and other activities to celebrate life.
Next Steps
Invest in a Safer Philadelphia
Our coalition helped win $20 million in community-violence prevention funding.
Community Violence
Community violence took the lives of over 700 Pennsylvanians last year. If the community can’t trust law enforcement, it will get worse.
Tell Harrisburg: Invest in a Safer PA
Pennsylvania has $7 billion in the bank. A small portion of that could save thousands of lives in the coming years.
Take a Stand
We’ll never stop fighting for a safe, gun violence-free Pennsylvania. If you share that goal, power our efforts today.
