In memory of my son Sam Stitt, who was tragically shot and killed in August 2019, I have felt the acute heartache that comes with losing a loved one to gun violence. While our family and others like us continue our journeys towards healing, it's crucial to spotlight the relentless gun violence impacting families throughout Charlotte. The pain of losing a loved one in such a senseless manner is indescribable, and the void it leaves is unfathomable.

The city of Charlotte stands as the 14th highest in violent crime rates nationally. This is not just a statistic—it represents countless lives affected, stories interrupted, and families forever changed. Moreover, North Carolina holds a gun death rate that surpasses the national average and bears a "C-" grade for gun law strength, indicating areas where meaningful improvements can and should be made.

June is Gun Violence Awareness Month, and we are urging our community to come together. Join The Samuel Harrison Stitt Foundation, Inc., alongside various Charlotte organizations, as we illuminate our city in orange—an emblem of solidarity and hope. Lighting our Skyline orange is a vivid statement that we refuse to accept the status quo and demand change.

Our call to action is straightforward: Show a "city-wide" solidarity in "lighting our skyline orange". Advocate for stronger, common-sense gun laws that could prevent further tragedies from occurring. Support community initiatives focused on violence prevention. Elevate the stories of those affected, ensuring they echo loud enough to inspire action among community leaders and policymakers.

Lighting Charlotte in orange this June not only demonstrates solidarity with those directly affected by these tragedies but also symbolizes our community's commitment to prioritizing safety and life over violence. We need your voice, your participation, and your signature to champion this cause and support important legislative changes aiming to protect our community and loved ones.

Stand with us. Sign the petition to honor victims, support families, and strive for a safer Charlotte.