Student organizers from Portland-area middle schools, high schools, colleges, and universities will lead March for Our Lives PDX. Thousands of Portlanders are expected to join more than 500 worldwide events to demand an end to gun violence in schools and communities.
Supporters will gather at the North Park Blocks at 10:00 a.m. and march to Pioneer Courthouse Square. Members of the Grammy-winning band, and Portland natives, Portugal. The Man, were among the first to jump on board to join the chorus of voices demanding an end to gun violence.
“We are marching for the students whose lives were cut short because our elected leaders don’t have the political courage to do what needs to be done,” said Alyssa Diaz, Portland State University. “They’re the policy makers. They’re the ones who can change this. They have the power to prevent this kind of tragedy from happening again. That’s ALL we want.”
Organized in cooperation with the national March for Our Lives movement, March for Our Lives PDX will take to the streets of Portland in honor of the students, teachers, and community of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, FL, and to add their voices in demanding that children’s lives and safety become a priority.
“It is truly inspiring to see what the students in Portland and across our nation are pulling together, to be part of this march and lend support is an honor and something we feel very strongly about. That we have lost so many lives and that we have to march is devastating and it is time for our legislatures to take notice and listen to the people. No kid should ever be scared to go to school,” said John Gourley of Portugal. The Man. “I want me and my friends to be safe at school,” said Will Chick, Tualatin High School. “There have been too many school shootings already this year and nothing has changed. Our leaders in government aren’t doing anything to keep us safe. I hope students and the people who care about us will join us on March 24 to demand change before this hits someone we love.” Support for this student-led effort has been overwhelming.
Marchers are encouraged to take public transportation downtown to avoid traffic issues.