GREENSBORO, N.C.-- School shooting survivors from Parkland, Florida, touring the nation to register voters will make a stop in Greensboro on Wednesday, August 1st, according to the local chapter of March For Our Lives.
The organization was formed as a response to the rampant gun violence in schools across the country and has called for what many of them have termed 'sensible' and stricter gun control and restrictions.
National March For Our Lives students Emma Gonzalez, Jaclyn Corin, and David Hogg, all survivors of the February 14 shooting at their school are included on the tour.
The student-led 'Road To Change' rally will focus on building up voter registration and voter education especially surrounding gun reform at the state and federal level. They have said they will demand change from political leaders or else they will #VoteThemOut in the upcoming November elections.
"Especially as many of us cannot vote yet and cannot register. To make sure that everyone who is voting, even if they don't want to for themselves, but for us and representing our voice in November," said rising sophomore, Anne-Joy Cahill Swenson. Swenson is one of the local organizers and is also scheduled to speak at the rally.
Counter protesters are planning to be at the rally as well. They posted about it on this Facebook page.
"If you want to talk about gun control you should talk to the leaders. Don't just come here to stir up something and then leave," said Peter Boykin of the MAGA Network.
He says he doesn't agree with the way march for our lives is spreading its message. That's why he and his group plan to protest on the sidewalk surrounding LeBauer Park.
"At the end of the day, I'm not protesting them, I have no problem with them they are still victims like a lot of people."
The stop is aimed at giving student activists in North Carolina and adjacent states an opportunity to participate in the Rally. The rally will start at 5 PM at LeBauer park in Greensboro and end at 7 PM.
The group advised on some things to do if you plan to attend the rally:
• If you are going to bring a sign, make sure there are no sticks, poles, or paint stirrers of any kind before you arrive.
• Car Pool, use public transportation or a ride-share
• While parking is available for a small fee in the downtown parking decks, be aware that parking may be limited.
• Wear comfortable clothing and shoes.
• Eat before you head out to the rally or bring snacks and plenty of water.
Greensboro Police also warned that drivers should be aware that there will be heavy pedestrian traffic in the downtown area on Wednesday. They are urging drivers to use caution and attendants of the rally use the sidewalks and crosswalks. Police say the event will be contained in the park so they do not anticipate any detours but warn drivers to watch out for pedestrians in the area.
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