As National Wear Orange Weekend approaches, the movement to pay tribute to those lost to gun violence gains momentum. One woman’s tragic tale illuminates the pressing need to support this cause.
Losing someone is a feeling that Aishah Coppage is all too familiar with. Having experienced it not just once, but four different times, she understands the pain and heartache that comes with it.
According to Coppage, gun violence hit home for her family in 2016 when her 8-year-old son and 9-year-old nephew were tragically shot and killed.
Despite the agony she experienced, Coppage realized that life had to go on. However, she never imagined that five years later, she would once again undergo the same excruciating pain.
As Coppage revealed, the devastating impact of gun violence has hit close to home for him. He shared the heartbreaking news that his 16-year-old nephew was also a victim of gun violence in 2021. Coppage expressed the frustration and anguish that comes with the continuous occurrence of such tragic events, particularly when young people are the ones losing their lives.
In late April, she experienced another devastating loss when her younger sister passed away. This tragedy added to the already difficult experiences she has faced in her life.
Coppage expressed his belief that the issue at hand will not be resolved anytime soon and emphasized the need to take measures to manage it. “I truly believe it is not going to stop happening, honest to God it’s not. But it has to get some under control,” he stated.
As we approach the weekend, it’s important to note that it is National Wear Orange, a movement that is observed nationwide to pay tribute to those who have fallen victim to gun violence.
Judy Sherry, founder of Grandparents for Gun Safety, expressed her emotions on the issue by stating that it makes her sad, but more importantly, it makes her angry. She firmly believes that guns should not be the go-to solution for any problem.
In 2013, a group of friends of Hadiya Pendleton, a 15-year-old girl from Chicago who was fatally shot just a week after performing at former President Obama’s second-inaugural parade, came up with the idea of the Wear Orange campaign. This campaign has now turned into a nationwide movement, representing the struggle against gun violence.
Over the weekend, Grandparents for Gun Safety, in coordination with other advocacy groups, will organize a solidarity walk to pay tribute to the lives lost due to gun violence.
The festivities are all set to commence at 9 a.m. this Saturday at Harmon Park in Prairie Village.
Sherry emphasized the importance of educating the community about responsible gun ownership rather than solely discussing access to guns. She firmly believes that it is crucial for individuals to take care of their firearms to avoid any unfortunate incidents that may result in the loss of a child.
