Hadiya Pendleton was a 15-year-old high school student from Chicago who became a tragic symbol of gun violence in the United States. She was shot and killed in January 2013, just days after performing at President Obama's inauguration ceremony. Her death sparked national attention and discussions about the impact of gun violence on youth. In response to her death, Hadiya's family and community advocated for stricter gun control laws. The Hadiya Pendleton Foundation was established to honor her memory and promote initiatives aimed at reducing violence and supporting young people in underserved communities.