MIAMI BEACH, FLA. (WSVN) - Thousands of protesters filled the streets of Miami Beach Saturday, as they joined the global marches to change gun laws.
Organizers said approximately 2,500 people of all ages and backgrounds attended the march, which began at around 10 a.m. The event was one of several sister rallies held in conjunction with the “March For Our Lives” rally in Washington, D.C.
Demonstrators gathered at Miami Beach Senior High School. From there, participants walked while holding signs and banners.
“We want change,” they chanted over and over again.
Parents said they are tired of questioning whether their children will be safe. “It’s sad to think that these days, their days are filled up with math, reading and lockdown drills,” said Miami Beach resident Lisa Burgoyne.
Local students told 7News they no longer want to live in fear. “We don’t even know if we’re going to come back home,” said a teenage girl. “It’s something really scary.”
The rally continued at Collins Park, less than a mile away from Miami Beach Senior High School, where protesters continued the call for gun reform.
Local leaders took the stage and addressed the large crowd.
Miami-Dade Public Schools Superintendent Alberto Carvalho energized demonstrators.
“Today is the day when we say not a single additional kid will be killed in the streets, in the schools of our great nation,” he said.
City of Miami Mayor Francis Suarez and Miami Beach Mayor Dan Gelber were also on hand.
“This is about protecting each other, protecting our families, protecting our communities,” Suarez told 7News.
Among the crowd listening to the speeches were local teens who have since dedicated their futures to pushing for gun law reform — and older generations are backing them up.
Emily Estefan, the daughter of Gloria and Emilio Estefan, also spoke at the rally.
“School’s a sanctuary of learning,” she said.
Hip-hop artist Flo Rida also appeared at the event.
7News cameras captured participants as they stood and listened to the speakers, a sight that underscores the magnitude of the movement that was created after the Feb. 14 mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.
“It’s emotional, it’s real, and our country is better when you have this kind of movement,” said Gelber. “I’m frankly very proud of them.”
The march in Miami Beach ended around noon, but participants said that it marked the beginning of an ongoing process to bring about change, and they indicated they will continue to push for reform.
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