By Kathy Chouteau
When the “1st Annual Wear Orange Gun Violence Prevention Summit” comes to CoBiz Richmond Saturday, June 7 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., it aims to be more than just a summit—but rather, a movement to change the game for the city.
“This will be Richmond’s first time participating in this national movement in such a major way—and we are coming together like never before,” said Keycha Gallon, executive director of Keyz 2 the Future, which is hosting the event.
A pinnacle moment at the summit will be hearing from two renowned gun violence survivors as keynote speakers, including Wanda Johnson, mother of Oscar Grant, and Dionne Jackson Goree, a native of Richmond and survivor advocate.
Gallon said that their voices, along with those of other survivors and community leaders, will speak truth to power and inspire action. She added that organizations from the Bay Area and beyond will unite to raise awareness, provide healing-centered education and push for real change in Richmond and surrounding areas.
Highlights of the Gun Violence Prevention Summit will not only include the keynote speeches, but also breakout sessions for survivor voices, community solutions, and grassroots strategy; free resources and connections to ongoing support; healing rooms for emotional support; a kid activity area; and unity among organizations from Richmond, Oakland, Vallejo and elsewhere, according to the organizer.
The 1st Annual Wear Orange Gun Violence Prevention Summit in Richmond is part of a national “Wear Orange” movement that encourages people to wear orange June 6 to honor survivors and build community with those working to end gun violence.
The movement began following the death of Chicago high school student Hadiya Pendleton, who had recently marched in President Obama’s second inaugural parade, due to gun violence. After this tragedy, Hadiya’s friends began commemorating her life by wearing orange, which is the color hunters wear in the woods to protect themselves and others. Now people wear orange during June to honor Hadiya during her birthday month, while supporting the end of gun violence on a wide scale.
For its part, Keyz 2 the Future supports Black and Brown children in the Greater Bay Area facing grief from gun violence and parental loss, providing a safe space for healing, resilience, and empowerment.
Opportunities to collaborate on the Richmond summit include serving as a panelist, with selection based on content expertise, hosting a resource table or simply making a donation to support the event. Click here to learn more about participating.
CoBiz Richmond, the location of the local summit, is located at 1503 Macdonald Avenue in Richmond. Questions? Contact Keycha Gallon at keychakeyz3@gmail.com.