St. Louis County officially recognizes June as Gun Violence Awareness Month, joining a national initiative aimed at raising awareness about the devastating impact of gun violence. LaVenda Vann, a community leader affected by the loss of four family members to gun violence, champions the cause, advocating for gun safety and responsible ownership as vital to preventing tragedies. She emphasizes the urgent need for better awareness and personal responsibility in handling firearms, stating, “If we just start somewhere, if it’s in your neighborhood, or in your county…we need it to be every day, not just in the month of June.”
In a symbolic gesture, Enger Tower and the City of Hibbing sign will be illuminated in orange on June 3rd, a color representative of gun violence awareness. Additionally, a Stop Gun Violence event on June 14th at Central Hillside Community Park will feature food, entertainment, and educational resources, including the distribution of free gun locks. Vann’s efforts exemplify the community’s commitment to fostering change and ensuring safety amid growing concerns about gun-related incidents.
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