South End welcomes the March for Our Lives

Tens of thousands of people, from children to grandparents, marched, chanted, carried signs and called for gun control reforms at Saturday, March 24's March for Our Lives, held in concert with marches across the US inspired by the shooting at the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida that claimed 17 lives.

Boston was one of dozens of cities in the US and 800 around the world marching for change on Saturday. U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren, congressman Stephen Lynch of South Boston (D-8th), Rep. Michael Capuano (D-7th), Mayor Martin J. Walsh, and recently elected city councilors Kim Janey and Ed Flynn were among the elected officials who took part in the event, which began at Madison Park High School and culminated in a rally at the Boston Common.

Among the speakers at the rally were Leonor Muñoz and Emma González, survivors of the Douglas High School shooting. The march followed Tremont Street to Ruggles and turned onto Columbus Avenue. The first marchers arrived at the Columbus Avenue overpass above the Mass. Pike shortly before 1:00 PM and the last marchers passed by the same spot around 1:40 PM, packing the streets and the sidewalks on each side of Columbus Avenue as they headed toward the finale, a rally at the Boston Common. Attendance estimates ranged from 50,000 to 100,000 for the event.

Around the intersection of Berkeley Street and Columbus Avenue, about 100 people waited along both sides of the street to cheer on the marchers, some with signs showing their support. There were no counter-protesters in evidence.

Norman Parker and his daughter, Jennifer Parker of Gloucester held signs supporting the marchers. Norman Parker said, "It's incredible! You go on-line and there are people who want to put them down because they are kids and it's ridiculous. Look what they've done." Former South End News writer and founder of Milford Street's Little Free Library, Lydia Walshin and husband Ted Chaloner stood across the street.

Walshin commented, "I couldn't be more proud of this generation. We are here to support them and I am in awe of how much energy they have and how much creativity they have." Chaloner added, "We have two granddaughters marching in Chicago today, because they are out there visiting."

Similarly, elected officials who took part expressed pride in the young activists. State representative Aaron Michlewitz, who went to the rally at the Common, weighed in via e-mail, "It was inspiring to see so many young people engaged in this important conversation and gives me great hope that we will see meaningful change in Washington and across the country."

Flynn, who also attended the rally, commented, "It was an honor to be with thousands of young people, students, teachers and concerned residents on Saturday for the March for Our Lives in Boston. We must work together as a country for tougher gun control laws that protect everyone. As a parent, I am always concerned about the safety of my children and all children in our schools. This must be the highest priority to ensure we have the toughest gun control laws possible and keep our children safe."

Janey, who walked in the march, wrote, "Historically, young people have always been at the forefront of social justice movements. I am so incredibly proud of our students here in Boston for standing up for what is right and demanding change. Inaction is not an option. Our children are being gunned down in our streets and in our schools. This must end."