Countering the messaging emanating from the National Rifle Association's convention across the street, a student-organized protest took place in Dallas on Saturday to denounce the powerful lobbying group's "dangerous agenda."
The "Rally 4 Reform," organized by StudentsMarch.org, brought together advocates for common sense gun reform who rallied outside City Hall. The event was just across the street from the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center, where the NRA's gathering—which promised a "weekend of fellowship and fun!"—was underway.
"Our generation is the post-Columbine generation," organizer Waed Alhayek from the University of Texas at Arlington told KERA News.
"We've seen tragedy after tragedy after tragedy," she said. "After the Parkland students stood up, even older people are saying, 'Why have we accepted thoughts and prayers?' on Twitter."
Parkland student and March for Our Lives founder Cameron Kasky gave the students shout-out on Twitter, applauding the group for what they are "doing this weekend to counter the celebration of weapons happening in Dallas."
The March for Our Lives, which inspired epic protests across the nation on March 24, also cheered students behind the event for being "a prime example of how the young people are going to change the world."
The call-to-action for Saturday's event—bolstered by the presence of supporters including Newtown Action and Moms Demand Action—declares:
It's critical that we support elected officials who stand with students calling for universal background checks, a ban on bump stocks, and a ban on high-capacity magazines. These issues should be common ground for all Americans. Unfortunately, far too many politicians prioritize the NRA over basic reforms that would protect schools and communities. That needs to change. And on May 5th—with the NRA convention a few hundred yards away—thousands will make their voice heard at the student-led Rally 4 Reform.
Social media users captured scenes from the event, including a mural created by Parkland victim Joaquin Oliver's father:
Other protests and counter-protests are taking place through the day, and may continue into Sunday, the final day of the NRA convention.
Originally published by Common Dreams
