NATIONAL GUN VIOLENCE AWARENESS DAY: Hoboken to Hold Rally—FRIDAY @ 4 p.m.

In an event organized by the Hudson County Chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense, Hoboken kicks off National Gun Violence Awareness Day and #WearOrange Weekend with a 4 p.m. rally at City Hall—featuring Senator Bob Menendez, Mayor Ravi Bhalla and many more.

This event is similar to gatherings in March and April that underscore a desire for a more proactive approach to the issues of gun violence on our streets and in our schools.

“You are tired of practicing active shooter drills; tired of hearing that gun violence is just a fact of life; tired of seeing the NRA make the decisions in Washington about guns and our safety,” says Senator Bob Menendez. “And as your Senator, I know you deserve better. That means passing common sense gun laws that will keep weapons of war off our streets and guns out of the hands of children, criminals and others with mental illness.”#WearOrange Weekend starts on June 1 (National Gun Violence Awareness Day) when thousands of Americans will wear orange to send the powerful message that there is more we can do to end gun violence.

Per the City of Hoboken, Friday’s rally at 4:00 p.m. will feature:

• Welcome: Emily Jabbour, Hudson County Chapter Leader, Moms Demand Action
• Opening Prayer: Reverend Elaine Thomas, All Saints Episcopal Parish
• Opening Remarks: Emily Jabbour
• Presentation of Proclamation and Remarks: Mayor Bhalla
• Introduction of Senator Menendez: Mayor Bhalla
• Remarks from Senator Menendez
• Introduction of Survivor Speakers: Emily Jabbour
  • Survivor Stories from Kristina Filler (Hold Your Fire initiatve), Nora Martinez DeBenedetto, and Rey Sambal (student)
• Students Demand Action of Hudson County: Frances Michaels and Jai Patel
• Presentation of Proclamation from Jersey City: JC Councilman James Solomon
• Closing Call to Action: Emily Jabbour
  • March on June 2 across the Brooklyn Bridge
  • Moms Demand Action Meeting @ Hoboken Multi Service Center June 14 at 7pm
  • Students Demand Action meeting @ City Hall in Jersey City on June 14 at 4pm

“It’s our duty to do everything within our power to protect our children and residents from gun violence,” says Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla. “New Jersey is taking steps in the right direction, but with how easily guns cross state lines, we have to keep up the pressure on Congress to enact sweeping reforms.”