A few weeks ago, I wrote about the #NeverAgain Movement and the impact I hoped it would have in inspiring a nation to fight for nation. I hoped that the students from that day would never tone it down, that they would never stop fighting for their peers who lost their lives that day. I believed in them. I believed that they would be able to move people to join the movement. But I never anticipated what transpired on March 24th.
It's difficult for me to pinpoint one thing that happened on March 24th to specifically talk about. Emma Gonzalez's speech was incredible. The thousands of people across the country taking the streets in protest and calling for action was amazing. I think that's what makes this whole process unique. The movement is so large, that while there's leaders at the forefront, it has gained enough steam as to where it's unavoidable.
The most important takeaway I have is honestly the fact that I finally feel as though progress is being made. After previous shootings like the one at Douglas, there would always be an outcry shortly after, people calling out politicians for change. After a while though, things would calm down, and sooner or later, people forgot. Then another tragedy would happen, and the cycle would repeat itself. With the #NeverAgain Movement and the March For Our Lives, I finally feel like those days are over. Politicians who are directly associated with the NRA are now forced to respond. There's literally nowhere to hide.
One of the most disappointing trends that have come from the movement is the people who are saying the movement has only picked up steam because of the affluent nature of where the school is located. My response to them? Who cares? Is life not precious enough to where it matters what income bracket you belong in? These students are fighting for ALL lives. They're risking their reputations, their future aspirations, and their privacy to fight what they believe is right. To me, that's an incredible decision.
All in all, I'd have to say that when I wrote my article in response to the shooting, I hoped something like this would happen. Seeing it happen in real life has me both in awe and honestly, I'm still trying to wrap my head around everything that's happening. It's moving to see what can happen when millions of people can rally around a cause regardless of race, ethnicity, or social class. This is about the future of our students. This is about ending violence. Most importantly, this is for all the men, women, and children who lost their lives to senseless acts of violence.
