Kane County Board Adopts Proclamations Recognizing Pride Month and Gun Violence Awareness Month
At its June 9, 2026, meeting, the Kane County Board approved proclamations recognizing both Pride Month and National Gun Violence Awareness Month, reflecting a commitment to building a safe, welcoming, and inclusive community.
The Board proclaimed June 2026 as Pride Month, recognizing the history, achievements, and contributions of the LGBTQ+ community while encouraging residents to foster a more inclusive and respectful environment for all. The proclamation also acknowledged the work of local organizations, including Belong Fox Valley, Elgin Pride, and Aurora Pride, in providing advocacy, support, and community connections throughout Kane County. The proclamation was presented to Travis Hooker, President of Elgin Pride, in recognition of the organization's ongoing work to support LGBTQ+ residents across the Fox Valley.
The Board also proclaimed June 2026 as National Gun Violence Awareness Month and recognized June 5 as Gun Violence Awareness Day. The proclamation highlights the impact of firearm-related injuries and deaths in Illinois and Kane County while recognizing local efforts to improve public safety. In 2025, the Kane County Health Department distributed 3,107 gun locks and safes to promote responsible firearm storage and continues to support violence prevention initiatives such as Project Safe Aurora. The proclamation also recognizes the work of the Kane County Sheriff's Office in removing illegal firearms from the community and the Kane County State's Attorney's Office in prosecuting gun-related crimes.
The Gun Violence Awareness proclamation was presented to Steve McHugh of Be SMART and Elizabeth Nunez, Gun Violence Prevention Specialist with the Kane County Health Department, in recognition of their leadership and commitment to reducing firearm injuries and promoting safe firearm storage throughout Kane County.
PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING GUN VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH AND JUNE 5 AS GUN VIOLENCE AWARENESS DAY
WHEREAS, National Gun Violence Awareness Month and National Gun Violence Awareness Day honor the lives lost to gun violence, support survivors and families impacted by tragedy, and promote education, awareness, and community action to build safer communities; and
WHEREAS, according to the Violence Policy Center and One Aim Illinois, gun deaths in Illinois surpassed motor vehicle deaths in 2024, underscoring the significant impact of firearm-related injuries and fatalities across the state; and
WHEREAS, the highest rates of non-fatal firearm injuries in Illinois occurred among individuals ages 20 to 29, followed by youth ages 10 to 19; and
WHEREAS, according to the Kane County Coroner's Office, Kane County recorded seven gun-related homicides, 12 firearm-related suicides, and one accidental shooting death in 2024, reflecting an overall decline in gun-related deaths compared to 2022 and 2023; and
WHEREAS, the Kane County Health Department continues to work to prevent firearm injuries and deaths by distributing free gun locks and recently, more than 250 gun safes to households while supporting violence prevention initiatives such as Project Safe Aurora; and
WHEREAS, the Kane County Sheriff's Office works diligently to keep illegal firearms off the streets and enhance public safety and the Kane County State's Attorney's Office rigorously prosecutes individuals responsible for gun-related violence;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED that the Kane County Board hereby recognizes June 2026 as National Gun Violence Awareness Month and designates June 5, 2026, as Gun Violence Awareness Day in Kane County, Illinois.
PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING JUNE 2026 AS PRIDE MONTH IN KANE COUNTY, ILLINOIS
WHEREAS, the month of June is recognized throughout the United States as Pride Month, highlighting the history, achievements and contributions of the LGBTQ+ community; and
WHEREAS, Pride Month commemorates the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in New York City, a defining moment in the movement for LGBTQ+ civil rights and equality; and
WHEREAS, the State of Illinois has played an important role in advancing LGBTQ+ rights and inclusion, including hosting one of the nation's first Pride parades in 1970 and supporting expanded civil rights protections and marriage equality; and
WHEREAS, Kane County values diversity, equity, inclusion and the dignity of every individual and strives to foster a community where all people, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression, are welcomed and able to live without fear of discrimination; and
WHEREAS, organizations including Belong Fox Valley, Elgin Pride, and Aurora Pride continue to provide support, advocacy and opportunities for connection for LGBTQ+ residents throughout Kane County; and
WHEREAS, Pride Month serves as a time to celebrate the diversity that strengthens Kane County and to reaffirm the County's commitment to eliminate discrimination and promote equal opportunity for all residents;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED that the Kane County Board hereby recognizes June 2026 as Pride Month in Kane County, Illinois, and encourages all residents to help foster a more inclusive, welcoming and respectful community for all.
