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Recognizing June2025 as “Gun Violence Awareness Month” in the City of Philadelphia
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WHEREAS, According to data collected by Pew Research Center in 2023, over 47,000 Americans were killed in acts of gun violence, with tens of thousands more victims of non-fatal shootings; and
WHEREAS, Gun suicides claim the lives of nearly 24,000 people in the United States each year. According to the Pew Research Center, these deaths accounted for 58% of all gun-related deaths in 2023; and
WHEREAS, A large portion of youth have been victimized by guns, as every year more than 3,500 children and teens are shot and killed, and another 15,000 are shot and wounded; and
WHEREAS, Gun violence disproportionately affects communities of color across the United States. In Pennsylvania, Black individuals are over 31 times more likely to die from gun homicides than white individuals. Nationwide, approximately 68% of Black Americans - or someone they care about - have experienced gun violence in their lifetime. This widespread exposure contributes to long-term trauma and mental health challenges, including increased risks of suicidal thoughts and behaviors; and
WHEREAS, The disproportionate impact of gun violence on young people and communities of color supports the need for comprehensive anti-violence initiatives, creating safer environments for our most vulnerable populations; and
WHEREAS, Each instance of gun violence negatively affects all aspects of society. In addition to a life lost, individuals deal with crippling injuries, lost wages and unemployment, homelessness, and community destabilization. The psychological effect gun violence has on communities leaves those impacted directly and indirectly traumatized, requiring years of recovery; and
WHEREAS, Recognizing June as National Gun Violence Awareness Month focuses on mourning the lives lost to gun violence while acknowledging its pervasive negative effects on our community. During this month, we remind ourselves of the importance of creating sustainable policies to reduce instances of gun violence, limiting its impact on our society; and
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That it hereby designates the month of June, 2025, as “Gun Violence Awareness Month” in Philadelphia.
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