2025 Gun Violence Awareness Month Activities in Chicago
June is recognized as Gun Violence Awareness Month, a time to honor gun violence survivors and advocate to put an end to gun violence. Organizations all across Chicago are planning a number of activities across the city and throughout the month. Find the many ways you can support below.
Have an event for Gun Violence Awareness Month? Submit it here.
JUNE 1 – 7
June 4 | Chicago Crime Lab: Overview of the City of Chicago’s Violence Reduction Dashboard, 1 p.m.
The City of Chicago’s Violence Reduction Dashboard is a publicly available tool launched to support efforts to reduce gun violence through transparent, real-time data. This webinar will provide an in-depth look at how the dashboard brings together key data on shootings and homicides to help community organizations, policymakers, and other stakeholders make data-informed decisions and better target resources. (Zoom)
June 4 | Inner City Empowerment CDC: Wear Orange Youth Event, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Join the Youth Violence Prevention & Creative Team’s Special Event, sponsored by Inner City Empowerment CDC. (202 Forest Blvd; more info)
June 5 | Strides for Peace: 2025 Race Against Gun Violence, 5 – 6 p.m.
The Race Against Gun Violence (RAGV) celebrates the life-changing work of community organizations and provides a dynamic platform for people who care about ending gun violence to connect and get involved. RAGV offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity to Choose Hope and join others who share the common vision of a Chicago free from the fear of gun violence. (Grant Park; more info)
June 6 | Cities United, Cure Violence Global, and the National Network for Safe Communities: #ProtectCVI Conversation, 1 – 2 p.m.
Join Cities United, Cure Violence Global, and the National Network for Safe Communities (NNSC) for a dynamic conversation with law enforcement officials on the vital role of Community Violence Intervention (CVI) in modern public safety strategies. Together, they’ll explore why CVI is essential to law enforcement efforts; how these partnerships reduce violence and build trust; and why full and sustained funding for CVI is critical to community safety. To register, email scotton@nnscommunities.org. (More info)
June 6 | BUILD Chicago: Wear Orange Community Event, 2 – 7 p.m
Join BUILD Chicago as they march through the Austin community to take a stand against gun violence and keep peace in the streets for all youth and community members. (5100 W Harrison St; more info)
June 6 | South Side Critical Mass Wear Orange Gun Awareness Bike Ride, 5:45 p.m.
South Aide Critical Mass will host its annual bike ride from Nichols Park to South Shore, in memory of Hadiyah Pendleton. (55th & Kimbark; more info)
June 7 | We Are Our Own Medicine: Gun Violence Prevention Conference 2025, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Attend a powerful day of connection, strategy, and community healing at the second annual Gun Violence Prevention Conference. “We Are Our Own Medicine” brings together diverse stakeholders to identify and activate the resources already within our communities. (5100 W Harrison St; more info)
June 7 | Chicago Adventure Therapy: Community Climbing Day, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Chicago Adventure Therapy is hosting a free rock climbing event. No experience necessary. Equipment and instruction will be provided. (87th at S Lake Shore Dr; more info)
June 7 | Breakthrough Urban Ministries: Westside Sports Opening Day, 11 a.m – 3 p.m.
Join Breakthrough Urban Ministries as they collaborate with Chicago Westside Police and Youth Sports. They will be shutting down Jackson between Central Park and Hamlin for a fun-filled day of sports and activities for all to enjoy. A bouncy house, face painting, game truck, and more will be present. Food will be provided. (100 N Central Park Ave; more info)
June 7 | Mercy Garden of Peace and Healing: Wear Orange, 12 – 2 p.m.
Join Mercy Garden of Peace and Healing in observing Gun Violence Awareness Month in Austin. (4910 W Quincy St; more info)
June 7 | Giving Others Dreams (G.O.D. Inc.): Pita’s Promise 4 Peace, 1 – 4 p.m.
Join Giving Others Dreams for South Chicago’s third annual event, featuring community resources, games, music, food, a bouncy house, and craft table. Pita’s Promise 4 Peace is a free family event. (8930 S Muskegon Ave; more info)
June 7 | Hadiya’s Promise: The 12th Annual Party 4 Peace, 1 – 5 p.m.
The Hadiya’s Promise Foundation will host its 12th annual Party 4 Peace on June 7, 2025, from 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. at Hadiya Pendleton Park. There will be food, music, bounce houses, and lots of fun. We encourage members of the community, local houses of worship, and all who want to see change in our communities, to join us as we raise Gun Violence Awareness. (4345 S Calumet Ave, more info)
June 7 | Wood St. Collective: Englewood Summer Book Fest, 2 – 7 p.m.
In its inaugural year, the Englewood Summer Book Fest will include a book vendor market of children’s books authors, Chicago-based authors, and independent bookstores; and a programming stage will offer a robust schedule of panel discussions, poetry readings, and children’s programming. The Book Fest aims to inspire 3,000 attendees to read more, introduces students to published authors, and to enhance the cultural and educational experience of Chicago youth. (6130 S Wolcott Ave; more info)
June 7 | Southwest Organizing Project: Women Against Gun Violence, 3 – 7 p.m.
Southwest Organizing Project will host a bread-breaking event for mothers who have lost children to gun violence, sisterhood, and bond-building. (2744 W 63rd St; more info)
JUNE 8 – 14
June 8 | Earth’s Remedies: Leaders & Lattes – Coffee Shop Networking, 11 a.m.
Leaders & Lattes is a dynamic coffee networking series where community leaders, changemakers, and advocates come together to connect, collaborate, and caffeinate around bold ideas for impact. In this session, Mercedes Pickett will spotlight the power of data advocacy — exploring how data can be used not only to tell compelling community stories but also to: Elevate grant opportunities through evidence-based narratives Strengthen cross-sector collaboration by identifying shared goals and gaps Encourage organizational accountability through transparent, community-centered metrics Whether you’re a nonprofit leader, funder, policymaker, or grassroots organizer, this conversation will offer practical insights on how to use data as a tool for equity, empowerment, and sustainable change. (5300 W Chicago Ave; more info)
June 10 | Mayor’s Office For People With Disabilities: “Voices of Resilience” Disabled Survivors Symposium, 1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m
In honor of Gun Violence Awareness Month, MOPD’s Disabled Survivors of Gun and Community Violence project presents a virtual panel discussion uplifting the lived experiences of disabled survivors of gun violence. ASL Interpreters and Live Captions provided. If you have additional accessibility requirements, please reach out to Porcia.Seals@cityofchicago.org. (more info)
June 12 | WTTW & Breakthrough Urban Ministries: Youth Summit on Violence Prevention, 4 – 7 p.m.
Join WTTW and Breakthrough Urban Ministries for a powerful, youth-led summit designed to amplify the voices of young people and spark real conversations around gun violence prevention. This interactive event is part of the WTTW Firsthand: Peacekeepers impact campaign and brings together youth from across Chicago to lead the way in shaping solutions for safer communities. This interactive event is sponsored by Breakthrough Urban Ministries and Youth Guidance in partnership with, Project Unloaded, and North Lawndale College Prep Peace Warriors. (3219 W Carroll Ave, more info)
June 12 | Illinois Peace Project: “Peace Portraits” Screening & Cocktail Reception, 6 – 8 p.m.
“Peace Portraits,” presented by the Illinois Peace Project, is a visual project dedicated to spotlighting the incredible individuals making a difference in Illinois. This year’s five finalists embody the spirit of “Peace Portraits,” as they work tirelessly to strengthen their communities, empower residents, and inspire change. An RSVP is required for this event. (2100 S Morgan St, Floor 2; more info)
June 13 | Think Outside Da Block: Roll N Peace 12, 4 – 10 p.m.
Think Outside Da Block will host the 12th annual “Roll N Peace,” an eight-mile bike tour throughout Greater Englewood. The tour intentionally passes important neighborhood landmarks and community hotspots. There will also be a resource fair, food, giveaways, and more ahead of the roll off at 8 p.m. (6500 S Racine Ave; more info)
June 13 | St. Sabina Peace Rally & March, 6:30 p.m.
St. Sabina Church is hosting a peace rally and march to kick off the summer and promote peace in our streets. (1210 W 78th Pl; more info)
June 14 | Peace Runners 773: Juneteenth Wellness Run/Walk 5K, 9:30 a.m.
Join Peace Runners 773 for a vibrant 5K run/walk as they come together to commemorate Black freedom and excellence, uplift one another, and move as a united community. (138 S Hamlin Blvd; more info)
June 14 | 2025 Brilliance and Excellence March and Opportunity Fair, 9 a.m.
Join a gathering of more than 1,000 boys and young men of color from across Chicago. (Northeast corner of Pershing Rd [39th St] and King Dr; more info)
June 14 | SitStayRead at Chicago Public Libary, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Have you ever wanted to read aloud to a dog? Kids can come practice their reading skills with Certified Reading Assistance Dogs! Join the dogs from SitStayRead in fun activities to promote the importance of reading and build confidence reading aloud. All participants will need an adult parent or guardian present to sign a permission form. Only children can register, but families are welcome to join them during the event. Recommended for ages 5 to 9. (5615 W Race Ave; more info)
June 14 | Mr. Dad’s Father’s Club: Fathers March 2025 (Block Party Edition), 12 – 4 p.m.
Mr. Dad will host its seventh annual Fathers March. The free event will feature games, prizes, face painters, variety of bouncy houses, live music/entertainment, raffles and food prepared by Michael “Chef Mike” Airhart, and much more. (6500 S Racine Ave; more info)
JUNE 15 – 21
June 16 | Violence Interrupters: Community Peace Circle, 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Violence Interrupters and community members will participate in a Community Safety Peace Circle. (111840 S Marshfield Ave; more info)
June 18 | Metropolitan Peace Initiatives & Communities Partnering 4 Peace: Spring 2025 Graduation, 5 – 9 p.m.
Metropolitan Peace Initiatives and Communities Partnering 4 Peace will celebrate the newest round of Chicago’s community violence intervention graduates from the Metropolitan Peace Academy. (7059 S South Shore Dr; more info)
June 19 | Justice Journey Alliance: Imagine Justice Juneteenth Commemorative Walk, 7:30 a.m.
The Justice Journey Alliance Leadership Foundation of Chicago (JJALFOC) invites you to the inaugural Imagine Justice Juneteenth Commemorative Walk on Thursday, June 19, 2025. This 2.5-mile walk begins at 31st Street Beach, proceeds north to 18th Street, and returns via the Lakefront Trail. The distance honors the 2.5-year delay in freedom reaching the last enslaved people in Texas following the Emancipation Proclamation. A portion of each registration supports the National Museum of African American History and Culture. (31st Street Beach; more info)
June 19 | R City Community Development Center: 2025 Juneteenth Celebration, 12 – 2 p.m.
Join R CITY for a Juneteenth Celebration! Bring the whole family for an afternoon of games, food, and fun—all free! The event will also feature performances from our youth, a bounce house for the kids, and loads of fun. (3709 W Grand Ave; more info)
June 21 | Driven To Inspire: Softball & Volleyball Picnic, 1 – 6 p.m.
Driven To Inspire will be in the park for BBQ picnic, along with softball and volleyball games. (6200 W Bloomingdale Ave; more info)
June 21 | Project H.O.O.D. 2025 Gala, 5:30 – 11:30 p.m.
Project H.O.O.D. will host its 11th annual Fundraising Gala on Saturday, June 21, 2025 at 5:30 p.m. at The Geraghty in Chicago. The event will honor the organization’s sponsors and friends, while sharing insights on its work on the South Side of Chicago. (2520 S Hoyne Ave; more info)
JUNE 22 – 28
June 25 | One Aim Illinois: Wear Orange Open Mic, 6 – 9 p.m.
Join One Aim Illinois for the “Wear Orange Open Mic” in honor of Gun Violence Awareness Month. This free event invites all genres of music with a social justice theme. Enjoy pizza, a cash bar, and entertainment by Sahu Creative. This is a night to connect, share your voice, and support the fight against gun violence. Must be 21 or older to attend. (9030 S Hermitage Ave; more info)
June 26 | Saving Ourselves & One Aim Illinois: Mix & Mingle, 6-9 p.m.
Hosted by Saving Ourselves and co-sponsored by One Aim Illinois, this vibrant evening honors those working in gun violence prevention and advocacy. Enjoy finger foods, a cash bar, and a community dedicated to connection and purpose. Wear your most creative orange shirt symbolizing gun violence prevention — best design wins a prize! (619 E 103rd St; more info)
June 27 | One Aim Illinois: Sip & Paint for Peace, 6:30 – 9:30 p.m.
Join One Aim Illinois for a special evening of creativity, connection, and purpose at Museica’s Sip and Paint on Thursday, June 27 from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. (doors open at 6:00 p.m.), located at 2052 N Western Ave. Paint for a cause as you choose from any of Museica’s featured artworks. No experience necessary. You will be guided step by step while enjoying great vibes in a relaxed, lounge-style setting. (2052 N Western Ave; more info)
June 28 | 2025 Garfield Ridge Stars and Stripes 5K Run, 8 a.m.
Since its establishment in 2017, the Garfield Ridge Stars and Stripes 5K Run has been committed to honoring and commemorating the courageous men and women who serve as first responders, particularly those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. This event seeks to raise funds for distinguished non-profit organizations that provide essential support services to individuals facing traumatic circumstances. (5625 S Narragansett Ave; more info)
June 28 | This Is Life Chicago: Talent Showcase & Resource Expo, 12 – 3 p.m.
This Is Life’s 12th annual Talent Showcase and Resource Expo will feature live performances, vendors, community resources, and more. (Hamilton Park; more info)
June 28 | Acclivus, Inc.: Community Fun Day, 12 – 4 p.m.
An afternoon of free food/BBQ, fun (incl. facepainting, games, inflatables), and music as we celebrate community, joy and togetherness in Washington Park. (5531 S Martin Luther King Dr; more info)
June 28 | Acclivus, Inc.: Wipe It Clean & Chill, 1 – 5 p.m.
An afternoon of free food, fun, and record expungement and sealing services. (15000 S Halsted St; more info)
June 30 | Chicago CRED & the Youth Peace Center: Roseland Gun Violence Awareness Month Community Meeting, 4:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Join Chicago CRED and the Youth Peace Center for an outdoor community discussion centered around safety in the Roseland community. Everyone is welcome — let your voice be heard! There will also be food, face painting, and a bouncy house for children who attend. (420 W 111th St; more info)