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Savannah Commemorates National Gun Violence Awareness Day

Families and community members come together at the 'End the Cycle, Stop Gun Violence' event in Savannah.

News Summary

Savannah observes National Gun Violence Awareness Day with its 11th Annual ‘End the Cycle, Stop Gun Violence’ event, held at 2005 Waters Avenue. This event aims to support the community following recent tragedies related to gun violence, notably the loss of children in nearby Bulloch County. Participants are encouraged to wear orange and engage in educational exercises about gun safety. Local officials and organizations emphasize the importance of community and legislation in addressing gun violence, aiming for a safer future for all residents.

Savannah – Today marks National Gun Violence Awareness Day, a day recognized nationwide to promote awareness and advocate against gun violence. Savannah is participating through its 11th Annual “End the Cycle, Stop Gun Violence” event, which is being held at 2005 Waters Avenue from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event seeks to support a grieving community that has recently endured tragic incidents of gun violence, including the loss of two children in nearby Bulloch County.

Local organizations participating in the event have been vocal about the need for community support in the wake of recent tragedies. Attendees are encouraged to wear orange, a color symbolizing the fight against gun violence, and to honor victims of firearm-related incidents. An estimated 15 vendors will be present, with Memorial Health providing gun safety locks to promote safe gun ownership practices.

In an effort to educate the younger generation, the event will include call-and-response exercises aimed at teaching children about gun safety. Such initiatives are crucial as the Savannah Impact Program (SIP), which is hosting the event, highlights the importance of starting conversations about responsible gun use early in life.

Recent statistics from the Savannah Police Department have shown a slight decrease in aggravated assault cases involving guns, with 118 incidents reported from January through May this year, down from 129 during the same time last year. Despite this positive trend, the community is facing ongoing challenges. Currently, Savannah has reported 12 homicides this year, a minor reduction from 14 last year but significantly higher than just two in 2023.

Local officials, including a special assistant U.S. Attorney, emphasized the importance of community outreach programs to combat and address the epidemic of gun violence. The focus of the event will also be on addressing new laws aimed at reducing gun violence in Savannah, which city leaders, including Mayor Van Johnson, are expected to discuss during the occasion.

LaToyia Daniels, the SIP program coordinator, has a personal connection to gun violence and is dedicated to educating the community about its impacts. The SIP, which operates under the Savannah Police Department, engages many police officers in its initiatives, reinforcing the collaboration between law enforcement and the community.

The “Wear Orange” campaign, originating from the memory of Hadiya Pendleton, is part of a broader national effort to end gun violence. By participating in events like the one in Savannah, community members can show solidarity and commitment to reducing the social toll of gun violence.

Participants are advised that street parking will be the best option for accessing the event, as the parking lot will be closed off for safety measures. With the involvement of various local organizations, the event aims to act as both a call to action and a resource for those affected by gun violence.

By advocating for safer communities through legislation and public awareness, Savannah’s “End the Cycle, Stop Gun Violence” event reflects the city’s ongoing commitment to fostering responsible gun ownership and creating a safer future for all residents. The initiative underscores the critical necessity of local engagement in the fight against gun violence, aiming to educate, inform, and inspire members of the community to take proactive steps toward decreasing gun-related incidents.