Reflections on ‘March for Our Lives’ at Pasadena City College

OPINION

Last Saturday, June 11, a few hundred people gathered in front of Pasadena City College to rally in support of sensible gun laws.

By Lauren Pressman

This rally was one of over 400 rallies nationwide that were coordinated by March for Our Lives, a student-run organization founded by survivors of the Stoneman Douglas High School mass shooting four years ago in Parkland, Florida. Other prominent groups, such as Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, Everytown for Gun Safety and Sandy Hook Promise,  were co-sponsors.

I attended this rally knowing full well that being out there on Colorado Boulevard, displaying our signs and waving to passersby who honked in solidarity, will not change the hearts and minds of those who refuse to blame the preponderance of guns and semi-automatic rifles for the rising number of deaths and mass murders by these weapons. I attended and will continue to do so because, during the difficult and frightful times in which we are living, it is important and comforting to be with people who have similar feelings, people who are passionate about bringing the truth to the forefront, and people who care about their and others’ lives. It was inspiring to see all of the kids who attended the rally with their parents; this shows that they are aware of what’s going on in their world, and it gives me hope that they see the importance of taking action to improve their world. I have no doubt these kids will continue to carry on when I no longer am able to do so.

A quote by cultural anthropologist, Margaret Mead, has always been a touchstone for me: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”

We must keep on keeping on.

Lauren Pressman, a resident of Sierra Madre, is a retired high school counselor and long time activist.