Local group hosts “Wear Orange” town hall meeting for 10th annual National Gun Violence Awareness Day

WAYNESBORO, Ga. (WJBF) – Today marks the 10th annual National Gun Violence Awareness Day.

B.R.I.D.G.E. (Building Responsible Individuals Developing Great Examples) in Burke County held a wear orange town hall meeting Friday to kick off #WEARORANGE weekend, which takes places nationally from June 8th-9th.

The program was established 14 years ago by Founder Kenya Crumbly, whose mission is to build a bridge to success for young people.

“Every time you turn on social media or you look on the news, you’re seeing different things pertaining to gun violence,” said Crumbly.

In 2016, Crumbly went to former Burke County mayor Pauline Jenkins, asking her to consider the idea to join the #WEARORANGE movement.

They want people to wear orange to honor those who lost their lives to gun violence.

They joined former Augusta mayor Hardie Davis and his staff to create a partnership that brings awareness towards ending gun violence in the community.

The group gathered at Waynesboro City Hall Friday morning, and joining them were several community members.

Wrens Mayor David Hannah, Waynesboro Mayor James “Chick” Jones, and Sardis Mayor Roger Lane all spent their mornings at the event.

Charles Lyons was also in attendance, who is currently running for Superior Court Judge.

Wrens Police Chief John Maynard also made remarks, saying it’s a time to acknowledge an ever-growing issue.

“There was a big case that was made last year that put close to 2 dozen people in jail. It’s not something we’re happy about–as far as putting people in jail–but we’ve got to bring an end to it, the gun violence,” said Maynard. “That’s what we’re pledging to do, and we’ll continue to do so.”

The rate of gun deaths in Georgia increased 56% from 2013 to 2022, compared to a 36% increase nationwide.

In addition, the rate of gun-related suicide deaths increased 26% in gun violence across the Peach state.

Pastor Sabrina Lewis, of Overseer of the Heart of Jesus Church, says many gun violence incidents are rooted in the mental-health crisis across the nation.

“A lot of people are affected by gun violence, to the point that it affects family’s mental health, it affects our community’s mental health. Most of the time when you look at mass shootings, they are directly tied to mental health,” said Lewis.

B.R.I.D.G.E. Program member Tommy Ingram says gun violence has sparked fear in many, especially those in the Waynesboro community.

“A lot of people in our area are concerned, they’re afraid, they don’t know whether they can trust our young people or not in the community, because they don’t know who has a gun or not. So it’s absolutely vital that we stop it,” Ingram said.

“It hurts our heart, so we’re doing more praying, but this right here is major. When you can get your elected official — the one that sits in the seat of authority — to come into agreement and join this awareness, and to keep it going—that’s what we praise God for,” said Crumbly.

Leaders say part of the solution is making consistent efforts to reach the youth.

“It’s every interaction, every time,” Maynard said. “We’ve done cookouts for the children, fishing rodeos, movie nights, coloring contests for kids at the schools. We’ve done a lot of things, but it’s consistency, and staying consistent.”

Ingram says it also takes a consistent effort of extending opportunities to the next generation as well.

“We have to make sure we give our young people opportunities. Take the guns, and get them a job. We believe that creating opportunities prevents crime,” Ingram said.

Crumbly says it must be a collective effort as well.

“When we work together, it takes the pressure off one person to do something that takes a village,” Crumbly said. “When we go out to serve our community to be able to help our young people, it makes it so much easier.”

Crumbly tells NewsChannel 6 that the BRIDGE Program has resources available as they continue their mission to make a difference.

You can contact the program via email at bridgeyouth2010@gmail.com.

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