Augusta church honors gun violence victims during Wear Orange Weekend

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Community members gathered Sunday to honor those who lost their lives to gun violence as part of Wear Orange Weekend.

A memorial was held at Jordan Grove Baptist Church, bringing together several organizations to spread awareness about gun violence prevention.

Wear Orange Weekend honors 15-year-old Hadiya Pendleton, who was shot and killed on a playground in Chicago in 2013. Orange was her favorite color.

Several organizations participated in the event, including Moms Demand Action, Georgia Shift, Community in Action and Grieving Families of Youth Violence.

Organizers said ending violence is a community effort.

“Today may be our day, but tomorrow could be any day, don’t wait till it hits your front door step, get involved now because your voice may be the one that makes the difference in our community with your family or any loved one,” said Phyllis Jackson of Moms Demand Action.

“I want to thank the CSRA Community in Action, Georgia Shift, as well as Moms Demand Action for coming together to see a need to know we are here to stop gun violence in our area,” said Rev. Anthony Walker, co-founder of CSRA Community in Action.

The weekend also included a gun-violence panel discussion and a walk. Organizers said they are always looking for volunteers.