Albany 2024 Wear Orange Gun Violence Awareness Week campaign

June 5, 2024

Matthew Crumley, Brian Roche,

ALBANY, Ga. – This week is a major one for families as the group SOWEGA Rising is trying to raise awareness about gun violence and provide support to families who’ve been affected by it.

SOWEGA Rising was present for a proclamation for gun violence awareness earlier in the week during the Dougherty County Commission Meeting.

With local mother, Yolander Brown, the mother of Nigel Brown, who was tragically killed in 2021 being one of SOWEGA’s sponsors.

“To keep your loved one’s name alive, it means a lot. They’ve been taken away from us, but just to keep their name alive, I know they’re looking down smiling on us, just keeping their names alive. And, it means a lot to see not only for Sherell (Byrd) to take the time out, but my group as well,” said Yolander Brown, Founder, Team Nigel.

They’re wearing orange throughout the week to raise awareness on gun violence, and are going to be hosting several more events throughout the week…

Including a candlelight vigil this coming weekend.

“It’s for the community to come out, and respectfully set aside time to bring awareness to gun violence. And, that’s the way we thought we would be able to do it. We do something different every year, and this will be the first year we do the candlelight vigil,” said Brown.

With all the groups coming together, it’s a harrowing experience for someone like Yolander, who carries the memory of her son, Nigel.

“…It’s so wonderful, like so wonderful. And, I just wish more people would connect with us, and it just, it’s amazing. I really can’t explain how it really makes me feel that ‘okay I do know there’s someone out there thinking the same way that I do and wants to bring awareness about this…” said Brown.

And… even if you haven’t been impacted by gun violence, SOWEGA Rising and Yolander have the same message for you…