Cameron Boyce Foundation launches 'Wielding Peace' campaign to end gun violence
The late actor Cameron Boyce was a social justice advocate who raised his voice for many causes.
Now, his family and friends are working to keep his spirit alive even after his tragic death in July from a seizure caused by his epilepsy.
The Cameron Boyce Foundation recently launched a powerful campaign to end gun violence called "Wielding Peace."
Supporters are encouraged to take a photograph wielding any item, as if it were a gun, in support of the organization's mission to end gun violence.
The actor, who was working on this project before his passing, is featured in some of the first photos kicking off the social media campaign.
The project was photographed by Boyce's cousin, Taryn Dudley, who also served as its creative director.
The Cameron Boyce Foundation shared a statement from the late artist on why he wanted to create the project.
"I’ve named the concept "Wielding Peace." It will be a collection of images that feature people from all walks of life (celebrities, victims of gun violence, common supporters) wielding "guns," Boyce's statement read.
"The catch is, the 'guns' that we’re using as props will be items that signify unity and peace," the statement continued. "Household items such as musical instruments, cameras, food, sporting equipment, beauty products, articles of clothing... anything that might inspire someone creatively as well as make a strong statement with the sentiment that we need to choose a different weapon."
Many of the late actors close friends have already posted their own interpretations of the concept.
Karan Brar, Boyce's former "Jessie" co-star, shared his support by posing with a script. Alongside his post on the Wielding Peace account, the actor shared more thoughts on the campaign.
"No matter how many lives are lost we continue the same cyclical conversation of shock, rage tweeting, and arguing until the "event" is weeks behind us and our "sending prayers" posts are lost in our timelines... I worry sometimes that I’ll never live long enough to see our government value lives over guns, but I worry even more that this conversation might die…" his statement read.
"We should not be wielding guns to feel safe- the only thing they should be wielding is peace, compassion, and love," it continued.
Sophie Reynolds, who was also one of Boyce's best friends, posed with a ballet shoe.
"The fight for gun control is the fight for life… We’ve allowed living with gun violence to become our new normal, but I refuse to become desensitized to the loss of so many lives," her post on the Wielding Peace account reads.
"By not changing our laws, lawmakers are telling us that every time we go to school, to a concert, to a movie theater, to a mall, or anywhere, that we should be prepared to be terrorized," her statement continued. "I want future generations to grow up in a world where they feel safe and like their lives are valued."
Followers are encouraged to "post your peace" with the hashtag "#WieldingPeace."
