By The People’s Paper MS
June is National Gun Violence Awareness Month, a time dedicated to honoring victims of gun violence, supporting survivors and promoting efforts that make communities safer.
While many people hear the word “gun” and immediately think about politics or the Second Amendment, the month is not about taking sides in a political debate. Instead, it centers on reducing preventable deaths, encouraging responsible firearm ownership and raising awareness about the impact gun violence has on families across America.
The observance traces its roots to the memory of Hadiya Pendleton, a Chicago teenager who was shot and killed in 2013 just days after performing with her high school band during President Barack Obama’s second inauguration. Friends and family members began wearing orange to honor her life and to bring attention to gun violence prevention efforts. The movement eventually grew into a nationwide campaign recognized each June.
According to public health experts, gun violence affects communities in many ways. It includes homicides, suicides, domestic violence incidents, accidental shootings and injuries involving children who gain access to unsecured firearms.
The issue hits especially close to home in Mississippi. Public health data shows that our state faces one of the highest firearm mortality rates in the nation, running at about double the national average. Tragically, firearms have now become the leading cause of death for children and teens in Mississippi. When looking at the overall loss of life in the state, roughly six out of ten firearm deaths are the result of assaults, while more than a third are classified as suicides.
“Effective gun safety applies to everyone, and there is no room for complacency,” says Cederick Jenkins, a military veteran with over 24 years of law enforcement experience who currently serves with the VA Hospital Police. As the lead instructor at 54th Gun Club LLC and owner of North Star Ballistics LLC, Jenkins emphasizes the foundational principles of responsible ownership.
“The most basic rule for gun safety is to treat every gun as if it is loaded at all times,” Jenkins says. “Adhering to the four universal rules, ensuring proper and secure storage, and instilling rigorous safety habits in both children and adults is essential for preventing accidents.”
Advocates say one of the most important messages of the month is that many of these tragedies can be prevented. Safe firearm storage, including keeping guns unloaded, locked and out of reach of children, remains one of the most widely supported safety measures among gun owners and non-gun owners alike.
In Mississippi, where hunting, sport shooting and firearm ownership are deeply rooted traditions, many residents view responsible gun ownership as both a right and a responsibility. Law enforcement officials and firearm safety instructors frequently emphasize training, education and secure storage as critical tools for preventing accidents and reducing violence.
National Gun Violence Awareness Month also serves as an opportunity for communities to remember lives lost and support those left behind. Across the country, families gather for memorial events, educational programs and community discussions focused on creating safer neighborhoods.
The month ultimately carries a simple message: every life matters. Whether someone supports stricter gun laws, stronger mental health services, expanded safety education or a combination of approaches, the goal remains the same — reducing preventable tragedies and protecting families.
As communities observe National Gun Violence Awareness Month, organizers hope the conversation stays focused on awareness, responsibility and finding solutions that save lives.
Editor’s Note: If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. You can call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. For more information on responsible gun ownership, local firearm safety classes, or obtaining free gun locks in your community, please contact your local county sheriff’s department or municipal police headquarters.
Local Training & Instruction Contact:
For more information on safety training and professional instruction, Cederick Jenkins can be reached at 769-218-7494, via email at 54thgunclub@gmail.com or northstarballistics@gmail.com, or by visiting www.54thgunclub.com.
