Berry students joined the millions marching to end gun violence in one of the largest protests in American history.

Allie Pritchett, Viking Fusion Executive Director

Photo credits: Diamond Newsome

On March 24, thousands of Americans gathered for the national demonstration, March For Our Lives, organized by survivors of the February 14 shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. The march took place in Washington D.C. and 800 other cities across the United States, including Atlanta, Georgia. 

Three Berry College students attended the Atlanta rally, marching from the Center for Civil and Human Rights to the Georgia Capitol. While at the march, sophomores Diamond Newsome, Ryan Moran, and Viking Fusion employee Katie Ott, heard from survivors of the Parkland shooting, as well as a Congressman who marched alongside Martin Luther King Jr.

Photo credits: Diamond Newsome

“It was an incredible experience coming together with people of all ages, political views and backgrounds to fight for justice,” Moran said.

Those participating in the rally called on lawmakers to address the issue of gun violence in schools by improving legislation and encouraging voters to take a stand.

“We shouldn’t fear for our lives at theaters, concerts or schools.” Newsome said. “It is time that we put humanity first, enforce new policies and pray that something like this will never happen again.”