In light of the Parkland Fla. shooting leaving 17 dead, the students of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School led a mass movement to stop gun violence and irresponsible gun use. “Sibling protests” took place across the United States. Indianapolis IN. was one of the many cities to take place in this huge political movement, March For Our Lives 2018. The movement was created to bring more awareness to violence attributed to irresponsible gun use. The movement was coordinated by We LIVE, Inc. a student based organization in Indy. March 24, 2018, marked the day that hundreds of thousands across the country rallied, marched and protested. Live feeds sprinkled Facebook, signs took over Instagram feeds, families have had enough and were more than willing to embark on their political platform to let government officials know how they felt.

Photo by Lindsey Taylor

Lines wrapped the Indiana Statehouse in downtown Indianapolis. What started as a one entrance rally inside of the statehouse turned into multiple entries opened to the masses. Signs were soaked in the hands of students and families with “Enough is Enough,” “No More Gun Violence,” “Not One More” and gun statistics, gun-violence facts, and witty banter crafted to the fronts and the backs of their posters. Snow fell freezing the people, but their voices heated the streets. The feeling of empowerment wafted through the lines of people. Voices shouted in protest and a sense of pride filled me as I shared these moments with my children.

Photo by Lindsey Taylor

The movement was part rally, part march, but entirely moving. Students spoke while onlookers supported. Passersby honked and took photos, police were strategically placed as to not interrupt the outpouring of protesters. The scene was unbelievable and the perfect place to speak out against gun violence. These students have had enough and are exercising their rights to make a change. If you want to know what democracy looks like, this is what democracy looks like!