Holland Teen Advocates for Gun Safety, “Silence the Violence” Events Announced

In Holland, Michigan, a determined 17-year-old high school junior, Hailey Huggett, is making her voice heard in the fight against gun violence. Huggett, a student at Holland High School, recently expressed her frustration and fear regarding the ever-present threat of school shootings during a virtual meeting with gun violence prevention advocates. This meeting, held on May 28, was organized to discuss a series of events for the “Silence the Violence” initiative, which originated 17 years ago in Detroit to combat local gun violence. More than two dozen events are slated for June across Michigan, including two significant gatherings in Holland.
Huggett, who has been participating in active shooter drills since kindergarten, advocates for a significant shift in societal approach to eliminate the need for such drills. She emphasizes the importance of educating and empowering the community on gun safety to protect everyone. The events in Holland, set for June 9 and June 27, seek to raise awareness and promote gun safety. The June 9 event, the third annual “Wear Orange Holland,” will be held at Centennial Park and focuses on engaging the community through various activities, including letter writing to government representatives and learning about organizations that support local schools. On June 27, the Herrick District Library’s North Branch will host an educational session on recent gun violence legislation, where participants can also receive informational materials on preventing firearm injuries and free cable locks for gun safety.
These efforts are part of a broader movement, coinciding with Moms Demand Action’s “Wear Orange Month,” to bring about change and ensure the safety of communities from gun violence.