MILWAUKEE - On Thursday, June 2, 2016, Sen. Chris Larson (D-Milwaukee) will be attending and speaking at an event to help raise awareness about the gun violence plaguing both our nation and Wisconsin.

The Wear Orange movement started when the friends of Hadiya Pendleton, a high school student from Chicago who died from gun violence, commemorated her memory by wearing the color orange – the color hunters wear as a warning to each other. Starting in 2015, June 2 has been recognized as National Gun Awareness Day by a growing number of states throughout the country.

Nearly 500 Wisconsin residents die due to gun violence each year. Of these 500 victims, over 20 are Wisconsin children – this is unacceptable. All Wisconsinites deserve to live in a safe community.

Tragedies that have occurred across the nation and in our own neighborhoods have sparked a campaign; one that promotes real understanding of the consequences of gun violence and genuine action against its spread.

This movement has been advanced by the public and lawmakers alike, with tremendous help from national groups such as Everytown and our own local organizations such as the Wisconsin Anti-Violence Effort (WAVE) and Moms Demand Action.

What: Milwaukee Moms Demand Action media event to raise awareness about gun violence in our communities

When: Thursday, June 2, 2016, at 12 p.m.

Where: The Calling Sculpture – 941 E Wisconsin Ave # 999, Milwaukee, WI 53202

Who: State Senator Chris Larson and other community leaders