Students and community members from greater Chattanooga will gather for a “sibling march,” as part of the March for Our Lives movement, on Saturday from 10 a.m.-noon at Coolidge Park then after short program, participants will march across Walnut Street bridge and to the courthouse.
"The march is one of over 800 marches happening around the country planned by students and survivors of gun violence in communities big and small, in all 50 states," organizers said. "The national day of action will focus on calling for lawmakers to make students’ lives and safety a priority and to pass common-sense gun safety legislation.
"In Chattanooga, students have been organizing for a month.
To amplify their efforts Chattanooga students started a new group: Chattanooga Students Leading Change. This coalition has identified three areas to focus on: Awareness, Advocacy and Accountability. CSLC coordinated with area schools for the walk-out on March 14. In addition to the MFOL planning, these student leaders are leading a letter-writing campaign, speaking at the school board meeting on Thursday against arming teachers, planning a visit to Nashville to speak with state legislators and Gov. Haslam and hope to meet with Senator Corker, Senator Alexander and Representative Fleischmann in Washington.
Students’ quotes:
“A half a century ago, students rallied to reshape the nation through the Civil Rights movement and Vietnam War protests, and they will do the same today.” Allen Liu, McCallie
“I am marching because I am tired of politicians and leaders saying that they don’t have to listen to us.” Sileas Balthrop, CSAS
“I am marching because I want to go to school to learn and not to be faced with a mass shooting.” Finny Heck, CCA
“I am marching because I don’t want to be next.” Sophie Albarakat, CSAS
“As students, we are the future, we should not wait to start working for change when we can start now. After all, we are the kids that in the classrooms; we are the ones at risk.” Chrischahna Smith, Normal Park