Wear Orange event held in downtown Augusta to discuss National Gun Violence Awareness Month
Share this @internewscast.com

AUGUSTA, Ga () – June marks National Gun Violence Awareness Month, prompting community members to unite on Friday night to highlight the critical issue of gun violence.

Families, community organizers, and local officials convened at the Jessye Norman Amphitheater to reflect on past incidents and discuss strategies for preventing future tragedies.

There was story telling, moments of reflection and a balloon release.

Elected officials spoke at the event including Richmond County Sheriff Eugene Brantley and District One Commissioner Jordan Johnson. 

Johnson spoke to the crowd about his personal battle with gun violence in his family.

“I recall seeing my cousin resting in his casket; I remember my aunt’s heart-wrenching screams, a sound that still resonates with me. I can picture my family comforting her, and even now, on his birthday, I witness her efforts to cope with the enduring pain she has carried for 16 years since his untimely death,” shared Johnson.

Hope Ciccio lost her son in 2019 and bravely shared his story at the event. 

She says it was wonderful to see the community come together to learn more about wear orange and gun violence awareness.

“It helped bring awareness and keep my sons story out there and I’m praying that we get justice for him. It means a lot that the community is coming together and the sheriff’s department is coming together trying to resolve the issues that are going on in Augusta,” Ciccio said.

Phyllis Jackson, Local Group Lead Volunteer for Moms Demand Action, explains what she hopes people learn from this event.

“I want people to understand that the grieving process is an everyday process, I lost my son in 2019 but today it seems like yesterday. I want people to understand that these children or these loved ones, their not statistics, they have names and those names have stories. I want people to recognize and understand that what you see on TV is not a game and it affects the community as a whole,” said Jackson.

Moms Demand Action and Georgia Shift hosted the evening of remembrance and call to action.

The Wear Orange campaign runs through Sunday.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Texas Flood Disaster: Nearly 70 Fatalities, 11 Girls Still Missing from Camp

KERRVILLE, Texas (AP) — The number of fatalities caused by flash floods…

Remains of All 7 Missing Individuals Located at California Fireworks Warehouse Explosion Site

Related video: Explosion captured on video at California fireworks facility ESPARTO, Calif.…

Volunteers Participate in Post-Fourth of July Beach Cleanup at Treasure Island

On Saturday, volunteers came together at Treasure Island Beach to tidy up…

Pope Seeks Renewal of ‘Mind and Body’ During Retreat at Castel Gandolfo

ROME – On Sunday, Pope Leo XIV is set to retreat to…

Examining the Most Devastating U.S. Floods of the Past Quarter-Century

(AP) – The United States has experienced an average of over 125…

Kerrville Local Shares Story of Escaping Home Engulfed by Floodwaters

IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site…

Scenes and Sounds from Champaign County’s Annual Freedom Celebration

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — For yet another year, it was all about…

dispute Over Jimmy Buffett’s Estate Highlights Widow’s Inheritance as a Warning Tale

(The Conversation) – Lawyers frequently advise clients that it is crucial for…

Elon Musk Unveils New Political Group, the ‘America Party’

Tech billionaire Elon Musk said Saturday he has officially formed the “America…

New Mexico Mother Vanishes After Delivering Lunch to Her Daughter, Family Reports

TAOS COUNTY, N.M. (KRQE) – It’s been more than a week since a northern…

Nearly 70 Dead in Central Texas Flash Floods; 11 Campers Still Missing, Authorities Report

KERRVILLE, Texas – The number of deaths resulting from the flash floods…

Augusta Canal Reopens for Kayaking Just in Time for the Holiday Weekend

AUGUSTA, Ga () – The Augusta Canal is back open just in…