“Growing up in a military town shaped my perspective on guns and gun violence, but never more than when it famously became the center of gun violence itself, when twelve people were shot and killed in a mass shooting in my hometown almost exactly a year ago. Last year, I mourned with my Virginia Beach community. This year, I mourn for the lives cut short by racism and gun violence. The situation frustrates and infuriates me as it does many others. But it also motivates me. I’m inspired by the millions of Americans who agree with me. This year, I’m joining thousands of other volunteers participating in National Gun Violence Awareness Day by wearing orange from home. Gun violence hasn’t stopped because of the coronavirus, and neither has our movement. We continue to organize, educate and rally for safer communities knowing that our work is more urgent than ever.”
