Philly Leader

The City of Philadelphia is joining cities across the nation in honoring June as Gun Violence Awareness Month.

What is Gun Violence Awareness Month?

Established in 2015, Gun Violence Awareness Month is acknowledged annually by cities, towns, and communities nationwide. Launched on the first Friday of every June, this year the month is commemorated on June 2.

June 2 is also the birthday of Hadiya Pendleton, a victim of gun violence, who the date honors. Also known as Wear Orange Day, Philadelphians should don orange gear to honor survivors and victims of gun violence nationwide.

As of 2021, the year with the most complete data on the subject, 48,830 people died from gun-related injuries in the US, a 23 percent increase since 2019. In 2022, the City of Philadelphia recorded 516 homicides. While still unacceptably high, this number represents an 8 percent drop in homicides from 2021, and we plan to continue to implement our violence prevention efforts to continue to reduce homicides in Philadelphia.

How can I get involved?

Philadelphians who want to contribute to this continued decrease in violent crime in our city and get involved can join us for one of our many community events throughout June and beyond, as well as check out events being hosted by our community partners.

Wear Orange on Wear Orange Day, June 2

Wear Orange Day is the official start of National Gun Violence Awareness Month. Created to honor Hadiya Pendleton, and all survivors and victims of gun violence nationwide, Philadelphians are encouraged to wear orange on this day to express their awareness of and concern with gun violence in the United States.  

Join the Roadmap to Safer Communities Community Engagement Tour

The CJPS Roadmap to Safer Communities Community Engagement Tour is a continuation of 2022’s Community Listening Tour. These meetings are opportunities for concerned Philadelphians to be heard, learn about resources available to them and their communities, and connect with City officials. CJPS is hosting meetings throughout the summer. You can join us:

• Tuesday, June 6, 2023, 6 – 8 p.m.: Sheppard Recreation Center, 5700 Haverford Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19131
• Thursday, June 8, 2023, 6 – 8 p.m.: Unique Dreams, Inc., 4704 Leiper Street, Philadelphia, PA 1912
• Thursday, June 22, 2023, 6 – 8 p.m.: Beckett Life Center, 1410 N. 16th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19121
• Tuesday, June 27, 2023, 6 – 8 p.m.: Community of Compassion CDC, 6150 Cedar Avenue, Philadephia, PA 19143

Attend a community event

PHL Youth Unity Walk 

June 3, 2023 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Liacouras Center

The Mayor’s Office of Youth Engagement, the Philadelphia Youth Commission, the Culture Shifters Collective, and the Millennial Advisory Committee are hosting the PHL Youth Unity Walk, an effort to bring together youth to commit themselves to support anti-violence initiatives in their neighborhoods, schools, and across the City.

The rally will include music, refreshments, summer job and internship opportunities, remarks from youth leaders, and relevant City resources.

RSVP to the PHL Youth Unity Walk

Philly Youth Gaming Day

June 3, 2023 from noon to 4 p.m. 

Local Host Philly

The Office of Black Male Engagement (OBME) is partnering with LOCALHOST, the leading gaming and esports center in the area to host a Philly Youth Gaming Day to promote positive engagement through gaming while addressing the critical issue of violence prevention in Philly.

This event is specifically designed for participants aged 12 to 17, offering them a chance to enjoy a diverse selection of games, including NBA 2K and others! All attendees are encouraged to bring their preferred gaming console controllers, be it xBox, Playstation 4, or Nintendo Switch/Gamecube.

Register for Philly Youth Gaming Day

10th Brothas Stoll for the Health of Black Men and Boys

June 10, 2023 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

Philadelphia Art Museum Steps

Join the Office of Black Male Engagement for the 10th Brothas Stroll in collaboration with the Mayor’s Commission of African American Males, Mayor’s Office of Youth Engagement, the Department of Public Health, DBHIDS – Engaging Men of Color.

The Brothas Stroll is a neighborhood-based walk for Black men and boys to connect with each other, family, friends, and neighbors, and raise awareness about Black men’s health. This month the Brothas Stroll Health Walk will take place at the Art Museum & Schuylkill Trail to bring Black males, their families, and the community together.

RSVP for the 10th Brothas Stoll for the Health of Black Men and Boys

Gun Violence Resource Fair

June 7, 2023 from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.

Grand YESHA Ballroom, 2301 Snyder Avenue

Hosted by State Senator Anthony H. Williams, this event will provide community members with resources aimed at addressing ongoing trauma caused by gun violence.

For more information, email Lynne Wilkins at lynne.wilkins@pasenate.com or call 215-489-5200.

Honoring Reentry Awareness Month 

June 25, 2023 from 1 – 5 p.m. 

Brilliant Minds Academy, 1610 S 26th St, Philadelphia, PA 19145

Hosted by the Office of Reentry Partnerships and the Office of Violence Prevention, this event will honor organizations doing vital work for Philadelphians reentering society after incarceration. There will be vendors, workshops, food, and activities for the whole family.

Register for the Reentry Awareness Month event.

Original source can be found here.