Community leaders, gun violence survivors, and family members gathered at Douglass Park in Champaign this Saturday to advocate for common sense gun laws. C-U Moms Demand Action hosted the Wear Orange event, and orange was the official color of the day and of the gun violence prevention movement. The organization fights for public safety measures that can protect people from gun violence, and campaigns for new and stronger solutions to lax gun laws and loopholes.
The event also commemorated those in the community who have been lost to gun violence. Mothers, grandmothers, and other family members spoke on the toll the tragedy has taken on their lives. Many say their recovery can never be complete, even when the justice system works. Community organizers pointed out how gun violence often takes two people’s lives, the shooter and the victim, as well as their potential contributions to the larger community. James Corbin of Champaign, featured in our video, describes it as a “vicious cycle.”
Watch the video below to listen and see the members of our community dedicated to ending gun violence.
Video and photo by Steven Pratten