Mystics Stand with Everytown for Gun Safety for June 2 Game to Honor Shannon Watts and Wear Orange Weekend
May 25, 2023 - Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA)
Washington Mystics News Release
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Washington Mystics have joined forces with Everytown for Gun Safety for the team's annual Wear Orange game on June 2 against the Dallas Wings. Washington will honor Moms Demand Action Founder Shannon Watts at halftime of the game, which takes place on National Gun Violence Awareness Day.
Ten years ago, in response to the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School, Watts started a Facebook group with the message that all Americans can and should do more to reduce gun violence. That online conversation grew into what is now the nation's largest grassroots volunteer network working to end gun violence. Today, Moms Demand Action has a chapter in every state and more than 700 local groups across the country, and is part of Everytown for Gun Safety, the largest gun violence prevention organization in the country with nearly 10 million supporters. The recognition of Watts and the work of Moms Demand Action will take place at halftime.
National Gun Violence Awareness Day is an annual event that takes place on the first Friday in June and marks the beginning of Wear Orange Weekend. Wear Orange originated on June 2, 2015 - what would have been Hadiya Pendleton's 18th birthday. In 2013, Hadiya was shot and killed on a playground in Chicago at 15 years old, one week after marching as a majorette in President Obama's second inaugural parade. Wear Orange Weekend was started by her friends and family in Chicago to honor Hadiya. Today, Wear Orange honors Hadiya and the more than 120 people shot and killed every day in the United States as well as the hundreds more who are wounded and the countless others who witness acts of gun violence.
Washington will wear their new Nike Rebel Edition uniform for the Wear Orange game. The Nike Rebel Edition uniform is inspired by the story of early civil rights pioneer and educator Nannie Helen Burroughs. Inspired by Burroughs, the team launched the Legacycampaign, a dedication and celebration of women who are making a difference and answering the call to own their legacy.
Fans attending the game will be able to purchase a t-shirt commemorating Wear Orange (attached) in the Fanatics Team Store outside Sections 103 & 109. Fans will also have the opportunity to write an inspirational message to share why they Wear Orange. These messages will be used during a special in-game moment to demonstrate the collective power committed to the eradication of gun violence.
All fans in attendance will help the arena "Go Orange" with a Mystics Wear Orange LED bracelet that'll be activated during key moments. All fans are encouraged to wear the color orange to the game. There will also be an opportunity for fans to learn more about Moms Demand Action and how they can get involved in the movement to end gun violence.
Prior to the game, the team will host a private Mystics clinic for local youth and survivors of gun violence in partnership with Everytown for Gun Safety Support Fund, the TraRon Center, an Everytown Community Safety Fund grantee, and the DC, Maryland and Virginia Chapters of Moms Demand Action.
To purchase tickets to the Mystics Wear Orange game, please visit www.washingtonmystics.com.
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