Black Students Unite For #NationalWalkoutDay Even Though Their Past Calls For Reform Were Ignored
On March 14, student around the nation left their schools in demand of stricter gun laws and an end to violence. In addition to students standing in solidarity with the victims of the Parkland shooting, Black and Brown students have illuminated how they've also been calling for gun reform in their own communities.
At 10 a.m. on Wednesday, students participated in #NationalWalkoutDay in protest of the gun violence epidemic our country has experienced. Often times in the gun debate, the violence seen in cities like Chicago and Baltimore is used as a deflective talking point to steer the conversation away from changing gun laws.
Today, the Black youth in America controlled their own narrative and showed adults there is room to stand with the students of Marjory Douglas Stoneman High School and examine the gun violence plaguing their own neighborhoods.
Students at Bedford Academy High in Bed-stuy led a protest and were encouraged by their teachers to participate
On Maryland student spoke in front of D.C. lawmakers and demanded a united resolution take place
Michigan Student Aja Turner delivered a speech addressing the intersectionality of the gun issue and how Black Lives Matter has been at the forefront of the calls for reform
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Students in Philadelphia held a rally outside City Hall
Although Black voices have called for stricter gun laws for years, they embrace the newfound media attention the issue has received
Many people admitted the issue should have been addressed for Black communities, but now is the time to finally make effective change
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This protest is designed for all victims of gun violence
Even elementary schoolers participated in the walkout (with their own press kits)
