Mayor Joebelaine proclaims June 6 2025 National Gun Violence Awareness Day in Conway

The City of Conway Council meeting on June 2, 2025, featured a significant proclamation recognizing National Gun Violence Awareness Day. Mayor Barbara Joebelaine presented the proclamation, highlighting the alarming statistics surrounding gun violence in the United States and South Carolina.

The proclamation noted that over 125 people are killed daily by gun violence in the U.S., with South Carolina reporting an average of 1,081 gun deaths annually. This places the state as having the twelfth highest rate of gun deaths in the nation. The mayor emphasized the financial burden of gun violence on taxpayers, amounting to approximately $371.9 million each year.

In her remarks, Mayor Joebelaine underscored the importance of community involvement in addressing gun violence. She called for a commitment to responsible gun ownership and the need to keep firearms away from individuals with dangerous histories. The proclamation also recognized the tragic story of Hadiya Pendleton, a victim of gun violence, and encouraged citizens to wear orange on June 6, 2025, to honor her memory and raise awareness about the issue.

The meeting concluded with a call to action for residents to support local efforts aimed at preventing gun violence and to value human life. The mayor's proclamation serves as a reminder of the ongoing crisis and the collective responsibility to foster safer communities.