STUDENTS MADE US PROUD
Boston area students taught us a great lesson in organizing, democracy, and perseverance.
It can be hard to maintain hope in the face of rampant gun violence across our country. The number of kids killed by guns grows every day — and they’re disproportionately black and brown kids. Their deaths are too often ignored by Congress. Mass shootings happen at concerts, movie theaters, schools, and in some of our country’s most affluent communities. Congress still does nothing. Our state, too, fails to follow through on programs that will help decrease gun violence.
But today I know that we will win — because of these incredible young people.
Students from all around Boston marched to the State House, joining thousands of young people across our country who walked out of school in protest this morning. They rallied outside the people’s house, then marched inside, and respectfully, persistently made state lawmakers listen to and respond to their demands.
As students poured into Gardner Auditorium and later filled my office, I confirmed for them that I wholeheartedly back their policy agenda and I tried to offer them the best support I could. I answered their questions, I handed out fact sheets about key bills, and gave them tips about talking to legislators. But mostly, I listened.
They shared their outrage and their fears, and their??analysis was clear-eyed. They made some of the best cases I have ever heard for gun control, youth rights, and education funding.??They incisively spoke to the importance of race and class in these discussions.
And they’re advocating for specific measures, not just vague promises about safe schools. They called for more stringent gun safety laws??and they named my FBRC education funding bill one of their two demands, because they knew that equal education funding and social-emotional supports are key to keeping kids healthy and whole.
It was inspiring to stand with these smart, powerful young people. They are leading a nationwide movement, and it’s on us to support them however they need.??If you have young people who participated in any of these actions today, please thank them for me. And let me know how else we can follow their lead.??
Saludos,?? ?? ?? ?? ??
Sonia Chang-D??az
State Senator, Second Suffolk District