house resolution no.124

Reps. Hope, Brixie, Kuppa, Stone, Whitsett, Rogers, Hood, Breen, Anthony, Steckloff, Brabec, Clemente and Brenda Carter offered the following resolution:

A resolution to declare June 2021 as Gun Violence Awareness Month in the state of Michigan.

Whereas, The effects of gun violence in the United States is pervasive and all-encompassing in every community; and

Whereas, Since 1968, more individuals have died from guns in the United States than have died on the battlefields of all the wars in the history of the United States; and

Whereas, Over 17,000 Americans have already lost their life to gun violence in 2021, including over 100 children under the age of 11; and

Whereas, June 2, 2021, would have marked the 24th birthday of Hadiya Pendleton, who was shot and killed at the age of 15, just one week after performing at President Obama’s 2nd inaugural parade; and

Whereas, Following Hadiya’s death, her friends and classmates organized the “Wear Orange” movement to honor her life and all those whose lives have been impacted by gun violence. Today, orange is nationally recognized as the defining color of the gun violence prevention movement; and

Whereas, By wearing orange and commemorating National Gun Violence Awareness Month, the Michigan House of Representatives will raise awareness of gun violence and the suffering caused by gun violence; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body declare June 2021 as Gun Violence Awareness Month in the state of Michigan; and be it further

Resolved, That we recognize and honor the lives lost and impacted by gun violence.