History of March for Our Lives in Timeline
March for Our Lives (MFOL) is a student-driven organization advocating for gun control legislation. It emerged in response to the tragic shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. The first major demonstration took place on March 24, 2018, in Washington, D.C., and was accompanied by over 880 similar events worldwide. These events were organized by Never Again MSD with support from Everytown for Gun Safety. The movement has been recognized for its potential to influence gun control policies, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing debate over firearms regulation in the United States and globally.
February 2018: Launch of March For Our Lives Twitter Account
In February 2018, the March For Our Lives movement launched its Twitter account, @AMarch4OurLives, which quickly became a vital tool for real-time updates and organizing events. The account, boasting 450,000 followers, played a crucial role in mobilizing support and spreading the movement's message.
March 2018: Celebrity Support for March For Our Lives
In March 2018, celebrities like Selena Gomez, Lady Gaga, Taylor Swift, Miley Cyrus, and others publicly supported the March For Our Lives movement. They used their platforms to advocate for stricter gun control laws and participate in the march, significantly boosting the movement's visibility and influence.
March 24, 2018: First March for Our Lives Demonstration
On March 24, 2018, the first March for Our Lives demonstration took place in Washington, D.C., organized by the student-led group Never Again MSD, in collaboration with Everytown for Gun Safety. This event, which followed the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting, included over 880 sibling events worldwide. It was seen as a potential tipping point for gun control legislation.
April 20, 2018: National Walkout Day for Gun Control Awareness
April 20, 2018, marked National Walkout Day, where significant social media engagement, including 1.3 million followers and 3.6 million uses of the hashtag #MarchForOurLives, amplified awareness of gun control issues. A large turnout of 200,000 people attended the protest in Washington, D.C., driven by the movement's strong social media presence.
June 1, 2018: Music Video Release for 'Hold Out Your Hand'
On June 1, 2018, singer Brandi Carlile released the music video for her song 'Hold Out Your Hand,' featuring footage from the March for Our Lives protests. The video highlighted the widespread support and participation in the movement, showcasing protestors and performances.
March 5, 2019: MFOL's Facebook Engagement
As of March 5, 2019, the March For Our Lives Facebook page had over 300,000 followers. The platform was used to organize events and spread awareness about gun control, playing a significant role in the success of the movement, including the March 24, 2018, protest in Washington, D.C.
November 2020: First Puerto Rico Chapter Established
In November 2020, Kemuel Delgado established the first March for Our Lives chapter in Puerto Rico, expanding the movement's reach and influence to the island, furthering its mission for gun control advocacy.
June 11, 2022: Nationwide Protest after Uvalde Shooting
On June 11, 2022, following the Robb Elementary School Shooting in Uvalde, Texas, MFOL Action Fund organized a nationwide protest. The main protest was held in Washington, D.C., with numerous sibling events across the United States, emphasizing the need for gun control.