In an effort to combat gun violence, local families and community leaders gather at Gaines Park for the “Hope Dealers Rally for Peace,” part of the national Wear Orange Weekend. This movement honors survivors of gun violence and aims to foster a safe, peaceful summer by engaging residents in activities that focus on reducing violence through community outreach.
Organized by Inner City Innovators, the rally features personal accounts, including that of speaker Norman Austin, who lost his brother to gun violence. Attendees participate in a moment of silence and discussions that emphasize teaching young people that guns are not the solution. “Real change happens when the people who need it, lead it,” stresses Ricky Aiken, the event’s organizer, pointing to the importance of community-led initiatives in preventing further tragedies.
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