Gun Violence Awareness Day: We (Still) Need to Talk OR You Need To Read This

In the wake of national mourning for the death of George Floyd and other black Americans coupled with the rising death toll of COVID-19, the Wear Orange Weekend reminds us yet again of the importance of taking action on issues that dramatically impact our collective public safety. 

Just as we’ve seen with COVID-19 death rates and instances of police brutality, gun violence disproportionately impacts the black community. Black Americans are ten times more likely to die by gun violence than white Americans, and firearms serve as the leading cause of death for black children and teens. 

If you care about racial equality, you care about pushing our society to re-think existing gun laws and invest more resources in understanding the gun violence epidemic. Fighting for common sense gun laws and advocating for secure firearm storage means taking action to keep our children, families, schools and communities safe.   

While the coronavirus itself is a public health emergency of the highest order, the dangerous role that guns play in the ongoing reality of a pandemic-impacted society cannot be overlooked. Even in more “normal” times, 100 Americans are killed and 200 more are wounded by guns every. single. damn. day. Let's dig into that a bit:

Gun sales are on the rise, just like depression and suicide rates. With the arrival of COVID-19, gun sales in the United States have soared to record highs—an estimated 85.3% increase in sales year over year. With more guns in American homes than ever and increasing rates of depression due to social isolation and financial anxieties, many healthcare professionals fear the longterm consequences for our community's mental wellness and potential for gun-inflicted suicide (which is, sadly, an incredibly effective method).

Unattended and curious children are at risk. Children in homes with access to guns and ammunition that are not stored properly are at much greater risk of harming themselves or others. Firearms are the leading cause of death for American children and teens and, with more children staying at home alone, the risk of being shot and killed is higher than ever for this vulnerable population during a pandemic.  

Social distancing endangers women and children in abusive homes. Women in abusive relationships now find themselves socially isolating with abusers with fewer opportunities to escape. This is an especially scary reality considering that 4 women a day are killed by intimate partners, most often using a gun.  

We’ve talked about how 40,000 people need us to think differently about gun violence before. But 2020… this is a year of challenge, of heartbreak, of struggle and of collecting the shattered pieces of our human identity. A year unlike any other. 

We refuse to let this year be a tragic wash. This is the rough and rocky foundation that we build from. Regardless of skin color, immigration status, political persuasion or socio-economic standing, we see the value in each other’s humanity and know that we are worth fighting for and worth saving. So, do something. Many somethings.

Sometimes we support each other virtually on Blackout Tuesday to elevate black voices and sometimes we Wear Orange to speak out against gun violence. But these are just moments in time that need to be connected to movements—to take action and push for ongoing systemic change. We care deeply today; we will care deeply tomorrow; we will show up again and again and again.

Here are a few ways you can continue to learn and support smart gun policies and safer communities: 

1. Wear orange on June 5th and connect to the diverse, passionate #WearOrange community on social media.
2. Support Everytown For Gun Safety research.
3. Join and volunteer with a local Moms Demand Action group. (Not just for moms!)
4. When you get ready to vote, learn about your candidate’s gun policies to make an informed decision on Vote411.
5. Grow your awareness and support legislative action with Brady United Against Gun Violence.