Day of National Concern Inspires Orangeburg Youth

On October 15th, students across Orangeburg County participated in the Day of National Concern, a national initiative encouraging young people to reject gun violence and make safe, positive choices. The event brought together community leaders, mentors, and advocates who spoke directly to students, sharing personal stories and guidance to inspire action and responsibility.

Michelle A. Wilson Green, founder of Reclaiming Our Youth Services (ROYS), shared her deeply personal journey of loss, emphasizing the importance of speaking up and protecting one another. Other speakers, including formerly incarcerated community members, offered honest, real-life lessons to help students understand the consequences of their choices and encourage them to stay on a positive path.

The video above captures many of these voices, offering a powerful reminder that it takes an entire community to guide youth and prevent gun violence. Through conversations like these and the pledge students took, Orangeburg’s young people are empowered to make thoughtful decisions, understand the impact of their actions, and join a larger movement for safer communities.