Commissioner Tara Stamps and Clerk Monica Gordon Lead Effort to Elevate Countywide Action on Gun Violence Prevention (Cook County, IL) – Cook County Commissioner Tara Stamps was joined by Cook County Clerk Monica Gordon and other county officials Tuesday to announce a resolution that would recognize June 6 as Gun Violence Prevention Day in Cook County.
The resolution—introduced by Commissioner Stamps—calls on all County agencies to formally acknowledge the day each year through educational outreach, employee participation, and public engagement, positioning Cook County as a national leader in the fight to end gun violence.
“Gun violence is a public health crisis,” said Commissioner Stamps. “We cannot continue to treat this as a tragic norm. This resolution is a step forward in honoring those we’ve lost, supporting the survivors, and mobilizing every level of government to act.”
Cook County Clerk Monica Gordon spoke in support of the resolution, emphasizing her office’s ongoing commitment to prevention, advocacy, and healing.
“Too many families in our communities live with the trauma of gun violence every day,” said Clerk Gordon. “As public servants, we have a duty not only to recognize this crisis, but to lead with compassion, courage, and concrete action.”
Also speaking at the press conference were Dr. Kisha McCaskill, Commissioner for the 5th District; Michael Scott Jr., Commissioner for the 2nd District; and Avik Das, Executive Director of the Justice Advisory Council, each underscoring the importance of collaborative, countywide action to address gun violence at its root.
The resolution is inspired by the legacy of Hadiya Pendleton, a 15-year-old honor student who was tragically shot and killed in 2013 just days after performing at President Barack Obama’s second inauguration. Her favorite color—orange—has since become a national symbol of gun violence prevention, representing visibility and the value of every life lost too soon.
Earlier this year, U.S. Senators Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth, along with Congresswoman Robin Kelly, introduced a federal resolution to formally recognize June 6—Hadiya’s birthday—as National Gun Violence Prevention Day. The resolution submitted today by Commissioner Stamps aligns Cook County with this growing national movement for change.
Commissioner Tara Stamps and Clerk Monica Gordon Lead Effort to Elevate Countywide Action on Gun Violence Prevention
