On Saturday March 24, hundreds of thousands of protesters from numerous states have congregated in the United States' capital and across major cities to demand change and advocate for gun control in the wake of the Parkland shooting last month.
Over 800 “March for Our Lives” protests and events are scheduled not only in the USA, but in other countries as well, as reported by multiple news outlets. Students from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, located in Florida, have been headlining national news for nearly two months as they have called for action and gun reform to government officials.
In D.C, where the main march is occuring, Parkland survivor Emma Gonzalez gave a rousing speech to a large crowd, proceeded to list the names of all of the victims and then remained silent for a period of “six minutes 20 seconds - the time it took for them to be killed,” according to BBC news.
In New York City, a widespread of protests cover city blocks as people chant “enough is enough,” according to NY Times. Other cities such as Boston, Chicago, and Los Angeles follow similarly with demonstrators carrying numerous signs in all types of sizes, reflecting their opinions about gun control.
In Chicago, thousands of students and protesters filled Union Park, according to Chicago Sun Times, while other protesters took to streets in Seattle. Celebrities and music entertainers have also joined the protests in the “March for Our Lives.”
Naomi Wadler, 11, delivered a powerful speech about the shootings of black women and girls. “I represent the African-American women who are victims of gun violence, who are simply statistics instead of vibrant, beautiful girls full of potential," Wadler told the crowd at the D.C rally, as reported in USA Today.
“March for Our Lives” is a movement lead by not only the Parkland survivors, but also by survivors from past school massacres or by gun violence in general. The #NeverAgain slogan, the movement and the marches use are meant to inspire change, demand action from Congress, and push people to vote in the midterm elections.
