Councilman Crystal Orieta, I have the pleasure of representing District 7, but also serving as the chair of the County Council.

And today is one of our exciting times in council.

Sometimes we have an opportunity to give proclamations.

This time is where we have an opportunity to honor individuals or groups that we feel are doing amazing, either work in the community or have done something significant to be recognized.

Today we have three proclamations.

I'm going to start with the first proclamation around gun violence that will be presented by Councilmember Adams.

If I could, I would like to say that one of the most meaningful parts of public service is recognizing the individuals and organizations that work every day to strengthen our communities, support our neighbors, and bring attention to issues that affect so many families.

Tonight we are honored to present two proclamations for me with that highlight both awareness and action.

The first recognizes mom's demand action and national gun violence awareness efforts.

This proclamation acknowledges the work being done to raise awareness, support survivors, promote public safety, and build safer communities.

These proclamations represent more than words on paper.

They recognize people who have turned personal experiences into advocacy, awareness into action, and concern into meaningful input.

The second recognizes Lupus Awareness Month and World Lupus Day, which serves important reminders of the challenges faced by millions of individuals living with lupus and the need for continued education, research, advocacy, and support.

On behalf of the Prince George's County Council and the residents of District 4, I want to thank everyone being recognized today for your dedication, leadership, and service.

Let me present the first proclamation.

A proclamation, mom's demand action, national gun violence awareness.

Whereas National Gun Violence Awareness Day is observed annually on the first Friday in June and marks the beginning of Wear Orange Weekend, a national movement dedicated to honoring survivors of gun violence, remembering those who live and have not been lost, and raising awareness about the impact of gun violence in communities across the nation.

And the 12th National Gun Violence Awareness Day was observed on five June 5th, 2026, with Wear Orange Weekend taking place June 5th through 7, 2026, bringing together individuals, families, advocates, and organizations committed to ending gun violence and promoting safety communities.

And whereas the Wear Orange Movement originated on June 2nd, 2015 and has become a powerful symbol of solidarity, encouraging Americans to wear orange in recognition of survivors and in support of efforts to prevent gun violence.

And whereas Moms Demand Action by Executive Director Angela Farrell Zabala is a grassroots movement of Americans working to advance public safety measures that protect people from gun violence, strengthen responsibility, responsible gun ownership practices, and advocate for policies that help keep families and communities safe.

And whereas Maryland has demonstrated leadership in gun violence prevention through the enactment of evidence-based public safety measures, including an extreme risk protective order law, expanded background check requirements for rifles and shotguns, strengthen public carry regulations, enhance oversight of firearms dealers, and the repeal of the law enforcement officer's Bill of Rights.

And whereas in May 2026, Maryland became the second state in the nation to prohibit the sale of certain do-it-yourself machine gun conversion devices through the enactment of Senate Bill 334, signed into law by Governor Westmore and supported by Senator Sarah Love and delegate Nicole Williams.

And whereas gun violence continues to impact families and community throughout Maryland, where in an average year, approximately 797 people die from gun-related injuries, and 1,745 people are wounded, with approximately 63% of gun deaths revolving resulting from homicide.

And whereas Prince George's County remains committed to supporting initiatives that promote public safety, reduce violence, and foster healthy thriving communities for all residents.

Now therefore be proclaimed that the Prince George's County Council hereby recognizes National Gun Violence Awareness Day and wear Orange Recon and commend Mom's Demand Action for its dedication, advocacy, and ongoing efforts to prevent gun violence and protect families and communities throughout Prince George's County, Maryland, and across the nation.

Signed, Councilwoman Christie Ariada, Council Chair, and Timothy J.

Adams, Councilmember District 4.

Thank you.

Yes, could you please come forward?

Here you go.

Yes.

Thank you so much.

We really appreciate this acknowledgement of our uh organization for us to advocate against and stopping gun violence, as we all know, is very prevalent in our area in our community and across our nation.

So we just really appreciate you uh making everyone aware and acknowledge what we do, and we appreciate your continued support.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Can you take a group picture?

We'll wrap up right here.

Yeah, sure.

Come on, Miss More.

One, two, three.

One, two, three.

We have to have our worry.

Yeah, I need to clean the lens.

Thank you.

Thank you so much.

You are so welcome.

Thank you for all the work you did.

Thank you, sir.

Thank you.

Okay.

A proclamation, lupus awareness.

Whereas lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that can damage any part of the body, including the skin, joints, and internal organs, often causing debilitating pain, fatigue, and other serious health complications.

Whereas an estimated 1.5 million Americans and at least five million people worldwide are living with lupus, with women accounting for approximately 90% of diagnosed cases, and the disease disproportionately impacting African Americans, Hispanic Latinos, Asians, Native Americans, and other communities of color.

And whereas the exact cause of lupus remains unknown, and there is currently no cure, making increased public awareness, medical research, early diagnosis, and access to quality health care, essential in improving outcomes and quality of life for those affected.

And whereas World Lupus Day, observed annually on May 10th, unites advocates, healthware professionals, researchers, caregivers, and individuals living with lupus in a global effort to raise awareness of the physical, emotional, and economic impact that this disease causes.

And whereas World Lupus Day observed annually on May 10th unites advocates, healthcare professionals and researchers.

Whereas organizations dedicated to lupus education advocacy and support continue to provide valuable resources, encourage community engagement, and promote research initiatives aimed at advancing treatment options and ultimately finding a cure.

And whereas it is important to recognize the courage and resilience of those living with lupus, as well as the dedication of families, caregivers, health care providers, and advocates who work timelessly and tirelessly to support them each day.

Now, therefore, be it proclaimed that the Prince George's County Council recognize Lupus Awareness Month and May 10th, 2026 as World Lupus Day, and encourages all residents to increase awareness and understanding of lupus, support those affected by the disease, and join in efforts to advance education, advocacy, research, and hope for a cure.