The tragedy that occurred at Parkland High School on February 14th, 2018 was sadly a familiar story.  Images and videos from the day circulated on popular news media, and the content shocked the nation, but unfortunately, did not surprise. Teenagers held each other as they were escorted outside to distraught parents. Sirens blare, casting a red and blue reflection on the school’s walls. Officials began the usual charade of condemning violence and offering condolences. In that year alone, over 24 school shootings occurred, resulting in 114 people killed or injured by these acts. At first, it seemed that Parkland would be just another name in the statistic. However, survivors, family members, and supporters decided that enough was enough. They confronted lawmakers, reached out to others, and created a nationwide movement for gun reform, championing the motto, “Never Again”. Their asks were simple and not terribly radical. They wanted justice, and some form of change that could guarantee that a child would not have to fear for their corporeal safety when headed to school.

Aalayah Eastmond  hid under a classmate’s body during the school shooting at  Parkland High in Florida. Now she, and others are lobbying for gun control. Here’s her story.  

Many students have used twitter to publicize their activism. Trump received deserved criticism for his “out-of-touch” tweet posted in reaction to the Parkland shooting. One such example, tweeted from a Parkland survivor is included above.

 

Above is a photo taken of Emma Gonzales, one of the Parkland Florida High school students, during her speech at the March for our Lives event. Though she spoke for just under two minutes, her speech moved thousands to act. Her closing remarks included this poignant quote. “Since the time that I came out here, it has been six minutes and 20 seconds,” she said. “The shooter has ceased shooting, and will soon abandon his rifle, blend in with the students as they escape, and walk free for an hour before arrest. Fight for your lives before it’s someone else’s job.”

 

The movement that followed after the Parkland shooting experienced some success. Riding a tidal wave of support, twenty-six states passed 67 bills aimed at diminishing gun violence. However, the movement is not by any means done. Gun lobbying groups also won several “Stand Your Ground Laws”, taking a bite out of the activists’ momentum. However, their advocacy still inspires others to actively reconsider the laws and structures that guide our daily living. Their story and their fight continues on, in hopes that such a tragedy would never happen again.