Mobile County NAACP Marks National Gun Violence Awareness Day with “Project Wear Orange” Rally at Government Plaza

MOBILE, Ala. (BuzzReport) — The Mobile County NAACP joined survivors, faith leaders, community advocates, elected officials, and residents Friday at Government Plaza to commemorate National Gun Violence Awareness Daythrough its annual “Project Wear Orange” event, a gathering dedicated to honoring victims of gun violence, supporting survivors, and advocating for safer communities.

Waves of orange filled downtown Mobile as participants gathered to remember lives lost to gun violence and renew calls for action aimed at reducing firearm-related deaths and injuries across the nation.

The event served as both a memorial and a call to action, highlighting the devastating impact gun violence continues to have on families and neighborhoods throughout Alabama and across the United States.

“Today, we turned the heart of downtown Mobile orange to honor the lives stolen by gun violence, stand with survivors, and demand a safer future for our families and neighborhoods,” organizers said.

According to advocates, more than 125 Americans are killed by gun violence every day, while hundreds more suffer injuries or endure lasting emotional trauma. Speakers emphasized that behind every statistic is a person, a family, and a community forever changed by loss.

“Behind every number is a name, a story, and a loved one whose life will never be the same,” organizers noted. “We refuse to accept this as normal.”

The press conference featured remarks from local leaders, survivors, and community advocates who shared personal stories and urged continued efforts to address violence through prevention programs, community engagement, and policy reforms.

Among those recognized for their participation were Mobile City Council members Samantha Ingram and Cory Penn, along with speakers Anahri Williams, Terri Perryman, Joshua Jones, and Vaughn Davis.

The Mobile County NAACP expressed gratitude to the many volunteers, faith leaders, organizers, and residents who helped coordinate the event and raise awareness about the ongoing crisis of gun violence.

The annual Wear Orange movement traces its origins to Hadiya Pendleton, a 15-year-old Chicago student who was fatally shot in 2013 just days after performing at President Barack Obama’s second inaugural festivities. Following her death, friends and family chose the color orange—commonly worn by hunters to protect one another in the field—as a symbol of safety, visibility, and solidarity.

What began as a tribute to Pendleton has since evolved into a nationwide movement observed in communities across America each year, bringing attention to the human cost of gun violence and encouraging public engagement in prevention efforts.

During Friday’s event, organizers stressed that awareness must be followed by action. Community members were encouraged to continue wearing orange throughout the weekend, engage in conversations about firearm safety and responsibility, and share educational information using the hashtags #WearOrange and #GunViolenceAwareness.

Advocates also urged residents to support survivors and grieving families by offering emotional support and helping connect them with counseling services, support groups, and faith-based resources.

In addition, attendees were encouraged to learn more about community violence intervention initiatives, youth mentorship programs, and efforts aimed at preventing firearms from falling into the hands of individuals who may pose a danger to themselves or others.

As the event concluded, organizers emphasized that ending gun violence will require sustained collaboration among residents, community organizations, faith leaders, law enforcement agencies, educators, and elected officials.

The message from Government Plaza was clear: Mobile’s fight against gun violence continues, and community leaders remain committed to building safer neighborhoods, protecting future generations, and ensuring that every life lost is remembered.