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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
RECOGNIZING JUNE 6 AS GUN VIOLENCE PREVENTION DAY IN COOK COUNTY AND IMPLEMENTING “WEAR ORANGE DAY” ACROSS ALL COUNTY AGENCIES
WHEREAS, gun violence remains a public health crisis affecting communities across Cook County, particularly in historically disinvested Black and Brown neighborhoods where trauma, grief, and inequity persist; and
WHEREAS, the United States recorded over 48,800 gun deaths in 2021-including more than 26,000 suicides and nearly 21,000 homicides-the highest number in a single year, according to the 2023 Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health report; and
WHEREAS, in 2021, the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office reported 1,087 gun-related homicides, and 739 such homicides in 2023, reflecting a continuing crisis that demands coordinated, urgent, and community-centered action; and
WHEREAS, gun violence is now the leading cause of death for children and young adults in the United States, and Black Americans are over 10 times more likely than white Americans to die by firearm homicide; and
WHEREAS, Hadiya Pendleton, a 15-year-old honor student from King College Prep High School in Chicago, was tragically killed in 2013-just days after performing at President Barack Obama’s second inauguration-catalyzing a national movement; and
WHEREAS, in Hadiya’s honor, the color orange-her favorite-has become a national symbol for gun violence awareness and is worn each year on June 6, now recognized as Gun Violence Prevention Day; and
WHEREAS, U.S. Senators Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth, along with Congresswoman Robin Kelly, introduced a federal resolution in 2025 formally recognizing June 6 as National Gun Violence Prevention Day; and
WHEREAS, community organizations such as Moms Demand Action, organizing both nationally and locally within the 1st District of Cook County, have played a vital role in mobilizing awareness, policy advocacy, and survivor support across neighborhoods impacted by gun violence; and
WHEREAS, Bertha Parham, a dedicated leader with Moms Demand Action in the 1st District, has led with compassion, courage, and clarity, standing as a pillar of strength and advocacy for families throughout the district and beyond; and
WHEREAS, Cook County recognizes that lasting change requires partnership with community leaders and organizations, and that voices on the frontlines-like those of Moms Demand Action-must inform the County’s response; and
WHEREAS, Cook County, via the Justice Advisory Council, has made strategic investments in community-based violence prevention initiatives, including the historic $110 million Gun Violence Prevention and Reduction Grant made possible through the American Rescue Plan Act; and
WHEREAS, two complementary initiatives managed by the Justice Advisory Council-Cook County Community Violence Intervention (CC-CVI) and Cook County Wraparound Services for Survivors of Gun Violence (CC-SGV)-are launching this summer to further improve community safety; and
WHEREAS, additional community safety investments include JAC-led programs such as Cook County Reconnect, the Domestic Violence Intervention and Support Services Initiative, and behavioral health grants under Stronger Together: Building a More Equitable Behavioral Health System in Cook County, managed by Cook County Health; and
WHEREAS, in 2021, Cook County helped form the Government Alliance for Safe Communities to improve coordination and maximize the impact of investments in violence prevention by the State of Illinois, Cook County, and the City of Chicago; and
WHEREAS, the Government Alliance for Safe Communities has established key partnerships with philanthropic, business, research, and nonprofit stakeholders to support the sustainability and lasting impact of violence prevention efforts; and
WHEREAS, the Cook County Clerk’s Office has participated in Gun Violence Prevention Day by encouraging staff to observe “Wear Orange Day” and stand in solidarity with victims and survivors; and
WHEREAS, Commissioner Tara Stamps, a lifelong educator and advocate for equity and justice, urges all County departments, agencies, and staff to honor the lives lost and stand united in pursuit of a safer, more just future;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the President and Cook County Board of Commissioners, that June 6-or the first Friday of each June-shall be designated as Gun Violence Prevention Day in Cook County; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that all Cook County agencies are encouraged to observe “Wear Orange Day” on June 6 by encouraging staff to wear orange, host awareness activities, and collaborate with community partners to educate and engage the public; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this Honorable Body extends its deepest gratitude to Moms Demand Action - 1st District Chapter and to Bertha Parham for their unyielding leadership, advocacy, and commitment to saving lives in Cook County; and
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that the Cook County Board of Commissioners recommits to supporting evidence-based, community-led solutions to gun violence and shares this resolution as a formal declaration of its commitment to honor the lives we’ve lost and protect the lives we can still save
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