Minnesota United today announced their support of National Gun Violence Awareness Day through a pair of club initiatives. As part of the "Wear Orange" movement, which will take place from June 3-5 and honor survivors and victims of gun violence, MNUFC is releasing a limited-edition “United Against Gun Violence” T-shirt. MNUFC and Fanatics will be donating all of the proceeds from shirt sales to Everytown for Gun Safety.
Along with the proceeds raised for Everytown, Allianz Field will also be lit up with the color orange this evening. Fans can join in the club’s support of National Gun Violence Awareness Day by purchasing the “United Against Gun Violence” shirt online or in the Black and Blue Team store for $30.
National Gun Violence Awareness Day was first observed on June 2, 2015. This date was selected to honor Hadiya Pendleton, who was shot and killed in Chicago just a week after she performed at President Obama’s second presidential inauguration. June 2, 2015 would have been Pendleton's 18th birthday. Now, National Gun Violence Awareness Day falls on the first Friday every June.
The day calls for people to #WearOrange as a symbol of the color hunters wear in the woods to remain safe from other hunters, as well as to honor the life and legacy of Hadiya.
In an effort to combat gun violence, organizations like Everytown for Gun Safety are working to bring violence intervention to communities. Everytown for Gun Safety is the largest nationwide gun violence prevention organization. They are dedicated to introducing evidence-based solutions to communities nationwide. Everytown works both locally and nationally, helping individual communities and demanding action through legislation.
A nationwide epidemic, gun violence has impacted communities all across country, including many in the state of Minnesota. In an average year, 462 people die by guns in Minnesota. The rate of gun homicides increased 113% from 2011 to 2020, compared to a 70% increase nationwide. An average of 41 children and teens die by guns every year in Minnesota, of which 55% are suicides and 39% are homicides.
Minnesota United is committed to working to end gun violence of all forms through continued support of grassroots organizations like Everytown for Gun Safety, which are effectively raising awareness and driving tangible action on gun safety all across the country.
