RACINE, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Students across five schools in Racine joined together with community members and local leaders Wednesday to take the pledge against gun violence.
Oct. 15 is known as the Day of National Concern, which is a day dedicated to standing up to violence in your community.
Students at each school were encouraged to sign a gun violence prevention pledge as well as connect with local leaders who are pushing to end gun violence year-round.
One of those local leaders, Nakeyda Haymer of Racine County, has been personally impacted by the issue of gun violence and says events like this offer a small step into a safer future.
"I believe when there are those who are impacted directly get on the forefront, we do offer solutions," Haymer said. "We've been there before, we know what it feels like and we use that passion to push us into purpose in changing the narrative and changing our community and the people around us."
In addition to signing the pledge, the students were encouraged to ask questions about gun violence and even seek out future volunteer opportunities as the fight against the issue continues.