As Seattle families and education communities whirl and rally following the news of another deadly student shooting, this one at Garfield High School on June 6, the Seattle-based Alliance for Gun Responsibility is encouraging parents, students, and educators to take a stand. The group is calling on anyone concerned about the rising tide of gun violence in the state and country to wear orange this week as an act of solidarity.
The alliance is the leading voice for gun control in Washington State and has been instrumental in the passage of numerous gun safety laws.
“Our thoughts are with the Garfield High School community as we mourn the tragic loss of a 17-year-old student to gun violence,” organization leaders wrote in a call to action on Friday. “Incidents like this serve as a stark reminder that schools, by their nature, should be sanctuaries—safe, nurturing environments where every student can learn without fear of violence. We are standing united in honoring the young life lost and the community profoundly impacted by this senseless and horrific act of gun violence.”
Wear Orange Weekend events will take place at different locations in King County. Whether you attend an event or not, the alliance says that wearing orange throughout the weekend gives concerned citizens a way to express their concern and do something with their frustration, fear, or worry.
Want to do more than wear orange in the fight against gun violence? Check out ways to get involved in the Alliance for Gun Responsibility’s efforts on their website.
Here’s where to go to join Wear Orange events:
June 7
Mayor Harrell will join leaders in Seattle’s Black community and families of those impacted by gun violence to commemorate a new healing garden and enhanced park space Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park. The mayor is calling on families and others struggling to make sense of the shooting at Garfield High School to attend as an act of solidarity and community unity. The event runs from 4-6 p.m. at Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Park; 2200 Martin Luther King Jr Way S, Seattle.
June 8
- A Renton Wear Orange Sign Waving event will take place at the intersection of N 10th Street and Logan Ave N. at 719 N 10th St in Renton. Wear orange and bring a sign. Waving starts at noon.
- Show up and support the Orange the Ponies group at Ronald Bog Park, located at 2301 N 175TH St in Shoreline. Wear orange, bring signs, and bring kids. The donning starts at noon.
June 9
Residents of Mercer Island will hold Mercer Island Wear Orange at Mercerdale Park, 3009 77th Ave SE, Mercer Island, at 11 a.m.
June 11
Seattle-based Grandmothers Against Gun Violence (GAGV) will host a webinar community conversation—Gun Violence Prevention – an Urgent Public Health Matter—to discuss ways to address gun violence in our local communities. Rep. Lauren Davis (32nd District), Sen. Javier Valdez (46th District), and Rep. David Hackney (11th District) will join Nneka Payne, executive director of Choose 180, in discussing the issues. The event will be moderated by Winona Hollins Hauge, MSW, who leads GAGV’s diversity and partnerships efforts. The event is free and starts at 1 p.m. Registration required.
June 16
Join the DJ Cares Wear Orange group for a rally at Bitterlake Community Center (13035 Linden Ave N in Seattle) at 1 p.m. This free event offers support resources for families affected by the loss of a loved one due to gun violence. RSVP requested.
June 23
The Washington chapter of Moms Demand Action, a grassroots movement fighting for public safety measures, stronger gun laws, and closing loopholes that jeopardize the safety of kids and families, will hold an action Meetup and information meeting on June 23. Snacks and beverages will be provided and free parking is available. RSVP to receive the location. The Meetup starts at 11:30 a.m.
Read more:
How to talk to your kids about gun violence
Mayor Harrell Statement on Garfield High School Shooting
