Rep. Kelly, Senators Durbin, Duckworth honor Hadiya Pendleton, gun violence survivors with Wear Orange Resolution


Rep. Kelly, Senators Durbin, Duckworth honor Hadiya Pendleton, gun violence survivors with Wear Orange Resolution

WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly (IL-02), U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) introduced the Wear Orange Resolution, designating June 6 as National Gun Violence Awareness Day and the entire month as National Gun Violence Awareness Month.

The Resolution honors Hadiya Pendleton, who was shot and killed in Chicago on Jan. 29, 2013, just one week after she performed in President Barack Obama’s second inauguration. Her family and friends started the Wear Orange movement to raise awareness of the 46,000 people who die due to gun violence every year in the U.S.

“When I fight to end gun violence, I fight for every survivor and victim, including Hadiya Pendleton, who was killed in the Second District just months before I was sworn into office,” said Kelly. “Since Hadiya’s family and friends started Wear Orange, the color has become a beacon for action and advocacy. Today, on what would have been Hadiya’s 28th birthday, we remember her legacy and dedicate ourselves to ending this public health crisis that has stolen too many lives.”

“Think about this for a moment—guns are now the number one killer of America's children. And one in five Americans now say they’ve lost a loved one to gun violence,” said Durbin. “Our country’s gun violence epidemic is simply unacceptable. Hadiya Pendleton was only 15 years old when she was senselessly shot and killed in Chicago. On what would have been—should have been—her 28th birthday, I will proudly ‘Wear Orange’ as a sign of my dedication to finally putting an end to this public health crisis.”

“It’s devastating how often our country is forced to grieve before another wave of senseless gun violence shatters more lives,” said Duckworth. “During this year’s Gun Violence Awareness Month, we must not only honor the victims of gun violence in Chicago and throughout our country, but we must also recommit to taking action that will help keep our children and our communities safe. American families depend on it.”

Kelly has introduced the Wear Orange Resolution every year after June 2, 2015, on what would have been Pendleton’s 18th birthday. June marks Gun Violence Awareness Month as gun violence spikes at the start of summer.

The Wear Orange Resolution has 61 original cosponsors.


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