Alton Marks National Gun Violence Day And Month With Strong Support
ALTON - Several around the Alton community were wearing orange on National Gun Violence Day on Friday, June 2, 2023. National Gun Violence Day was marked throughout the United States and there was a strong effort made this year in Alton to recognize the day. Alton Mayor David Goins said he believes National Gun Violence Awareness Month is very important, especially with some of the recent shootings in the city. The mayor’s wife, Shelia, has also been very supportive of his efforts in regard to gun violence awareness. Mayor Goins pointed out the month began after Hadiya Pendleton was killed at age 15 after marching in President Obama’s second inaugural parade. Hadiya would have been 26 this past June 2. “It has deep meaning, we are working on some other things that are coming up in regards to addressing gun violence,” he said. “Stay tuned we will be reaching out for other things we are doing in the community. We are not taking this lightly. We don’t