Photos: BK Reader Asks Brooklynites, Why Did You Join the March for Our Lives?
Thousands of New Yorkers joined the "March For Our Lives" in solidarity with the victims of the Parkland shooting and to demand stricter gun laws Photo Credit: Margot Elise On Saturday, thousands of fired-up citizens took it to the streets to march f
1 / 1"I marched because I wanted to support the lives that we've lost in Parkland and in various other cities. I marched for those who we speak about and the ones we don't." - Christina, 24, Bed-StuyAdvertisement
Thousands of New Yorkers joined the "March For Our Lives" in solidarity with the victims of the Parkland shooting and to demand stricter gun laws
Photo Credit: Margot Elise
On Saturday, thousands of fired-up citizens took it to the streets to march for one cause — to end gun violence. At 9:00am, people of all ages gathered at Central Park West and walked more than 30 blocks in solidarity with the 17 people whose lives were taken during the shooting in Parkland, Florida.
Thousands of New Yorkers were ready at 9:00am.
The March For Our Lives movement and the many other sister marches are amplifying a major spike in youth engagement and have sparked a larger conversation about intersectionality and the importance of protecting ALL people no matter their background or ethnicity. Black Lives Matter representatives and LGBTQ groups spoke out about the discrimination, the systemic disadvantages and the effects of gun violence communities of color are experiencing daily all across the nation.
Marchers did not hold back with their messages.
BK Reader was on the frontline with Brooklynites who marched in support of the victims and survivors of the horrific shooting. We asked them one question: "What made you join the march?"
"I marched because I owed it to myself and my people. I know that sounds corny but a lot of Black people/activists are trying to make sure this huge conversation around gun violence is nuanced and actually includes gun violence that primarily affects Black people. I wanted to be seen and remind people of this." - Mars Sebastian, 24, Bushwick"You can't talk about gun violence without acknowledging that it affects black communities the most." - Ben Kassoy, 28, Bushwick"I marched against gun violence in all aspects. Guns are being used to hurt innocent people and we have to take a stand. Whether those innocent people are high school students or unarmed black men and women, we have to do something." - Veronica Rich, 21, Bed-Stuy"I marched because I wanted to support the lives that we've lost in Parkland and in various other cities. I marched for those who we speak about and the ones we don't." - Christina, 24, Bed-Stuy"I march for my baby girl, because she starts school next year and I want her to be safe when I drop her off." -Nadia Monteiro, 34, South Williamsburg"What are we waiting for? More deaths, more gun violence. I'm tired of seeing this happens and nothing changes for us. Thoughts and prayer aren't enough." Vihan, 20, Prospect Heights"I marched for the black lives that are lost due to gun violence." - President of the youth coalition of #BlackLivesMatter NYC, Nupol Kiazolu, 17, Brownville Photo Credit: Katie Ward for A-Plus
