Madison Reporter

Public Health Madison & Dane County, alongside local city and county leaders and the Madison Police Department, is participating in a nationwide initiative aimed at ending gun violence. The effort includes a series of events under the "Wear Orange Weekend" banner.

"Gun violence is now the leading cause of death for youth in America. Here in Dane County, we're losing someone to gun violence every 10 days from suicide, accidents, and homicide. These are not just numbers. They represent lives, families, and futures stolen from our community," stated Janel Heinrich, Director of Public Health Madison & Dane County.

The Wear Orange movement began after 15-year-old Hadiya Pendleton was killed in Chicago in 2013. Her friends and family chose to wear orange to honor her memory. The color symbolizes safety as it is what hunters wear to protect themselves and others.

Acting Madison Police Chief John Patterson emphasized the importance of responsible gun ownership: "Preventing gun violence starts in our homes. Gun owners must start securing firearms properly in the home and use trigger locks and gun safes. Storing guns in cars or carrying them unprotected is unsafe and not responsible ownership."

This weekend's events invite community members to remember victims of violence, honor survivors, and support prevention efforts. The schedule includes:

- Friday, June 6: Wear Orange Weekend kickoff with an art installation at Brix Cider Patio (119 S 2nd St, Mt Horeb) from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM.

- Saturday, June 7: A candlelight vigil for victims of violence at Capitol Steps (W. Mifflin & N. Carroll) from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM.

- Sunday, June 8: Community gathering with resources at North Sherman Avenue Methodist Church (3705 N. Sherman Ave., Madison) from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM.

Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway highlighted the need for community action against gun violence by saying that "every person in Madison deserves to feel safe." She described it as a public safety crisis needing a holistic response where education on preventing accidental shootings plays a role.

Dane County Executive Melissa Agard expressed her support for advocating common-sense gun safety measures while honoring victims and standing with survivors. "Talk to your legislators and support violence prevention programs in our community," she urged.

The Wear Orange campaign backs Everytown for Gun Safety—a group led by parents, students, survivors, and educators focused on ending gun violence.

Community members are encouraged to participate in any event during Wear Orange Weekend for more information visit their events page.