The City of Racine Common Council meeting on May 20, 2025, commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance and featured a significant proclamation regarding National Gun Violence Awareness Day.

Mayor Cory Mason read the proclamation, highlighting alarming statistics about gun violence in Wisconsin, where an average of 708 people die and 1,686 are injured by guns each year. The state ranks 27th in the nation for gun violence, with children and teens being particularly affected. The proclamation emphasized that gun violence awareness is commemorated on the first Friday of June, which this year falls on June 6. This day marks the beginning of "Wear Orange Weekend," a movement started in memory of Hadiya Pendleton, a 15-year-old victim of gun violence.

The proclamation called on the Racine community to renew its commitment to ending gun violence, promoting responsible gun ownership, and ensuring the safety of families and children. Mayor Mason officially declared June 6 as National Gun Violence Awareness Day in Racine.

Following the proclamation, the meeting moved to public comments, allowing citizens to address the council directly. This segment is designed to foster community engagement and provide residents with a platform to voice their concerns and opinions.

The discussions during this meeting underscore the city's ongoing efforts to address gun violence and promote community safety.