HOWARD COUNTY, MD — Residents are invited to remember loved ones who were victims of gun violence and embrace the survivors at special events Friday and Saturday for Wear Orange Weekend.
The Wear Orange movement started June 2, 2015, on what would have been Hadiya Pendleton’s 18th birthday. Today, the movement honors Pendleton and the more than 125 people shot and killed each day in the U.S., along with the countless others impacted by gun violence. Communities nationwide wear orange as a show of the need for action and to build a culture of safety and responsibility.
“We've held community events in Howard County to honor gun violence survivors and victims for nearly a decade with the support of elected officials and community partners. By recognizing Wear Orange, we create awareness, but most importantly, we reinforce that there are meaningful actions we can all take to protect our families and communities from gun violence, including securely storing firearms and showing up to support communities impacted by gun violence," Jessica Cade and Buthaina Shukri, co-leads for Moms Demand Action in Howard County told Patch.
On Friday at 5 p.m. people are invited to the downtown Columbia Lakefront Stage and to wear orange. There will be a program followed by a walk around Lake Kittamaqundi to commemorate lives lost to gun violence. The event is in partnership with the Columbia Association and will be held rain or shine.
On Saturday, residents are encouraged to wear orange and gather at 11 a.m. at Homewood High School in Ellicott City, 10914 MD-108, to learn about community resources, hear remarks, engage in fellowship and enjoy a meal together.
There also will be Wear Orange Overpass Actions where participants will hold up signs from overpasses in Howard, Prince George's and Montgomery counties to raise awareness about Wear Orange.
Sign up for free local newsletters and alerts for the
Ellicott City, MD Patch
Patch.com is the nationwide leader in hyperlocal news.
Visit Patch.com to find your town today.