Today people in cities across the United States stepped out to protest the epidemic of gun violence and demand better gun control. In Washington Emma Gonzalez, a survivor of the Parkland shooting, held the crowd spellbound with a tearful and powerful message about the victims’ lost futures, then stood silently onstage to represent the time it took for all 17 lives to be taken. Not all the action was in Washington and the States, though, as many Canadians held protests in solidarity. Here are a few of the best signs from Vancouver’s own March for Our Lives.
1. But how can I make a difference? This sign has a good suggestion.
“Thoughts & Prayers Policy & Change! #ENOUGHISENOUGH Gun Control NOW! Register to VOTE!”
2. When education funding in the U.S. is in such a state of crisis, why is arming teachers even considered as an option?
“Books not Bullets”
3. Feelings of sympathy are all well and good, but there comes a time when action must be taken.
“THOUGHTS PRAYERS ACTION”
5. Solidarity is important. Just because the brunt of the movement is taking place across the border, that doesn’t mean that our voices cannot support it.
“ARM TEACHERS WITH BOOKS NOT BULLETS”
“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. -Martin Luther King Jr.”
“PROTECT CHILDREN NOT GUNS. Enough is enough”
6. Ignoring an issue will not make it go away, it only makes it grow. Now is the time to speak up.
“YOU CAN PUT A SILENCER ON A GUN BUT NOT ON THE VOICE OF THE PEOPLE #NEVERAGAIN”
7. And finally, my personal favourite.
“Ugh, Where do I even start?”
For everyone who made it out to the March today, we see you. To everyone who marched in Washington and across the United States, we support you. Your bravery and drive inspires us. After today, no one fighting for safety in their own schools should feel alone; you have more friends than you know.
Photo Credits: Avery Creed. Sign credits to their respective owners, who we thank for their part in the march today.