Congresswoman Kelly Carries Photos and Stories of Chicago’s Youngest Gun Violence Victim to National Walk Out Day Solidary March
Washington, DC – Today, Congresswoman Robin Kelly, vice chair of the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force, joined her colleagues in a solidarity walk out with students across the country.
"Today's marches and rallies are about one thing: saving lives. For too long, politics and money have prevented too many of my colleagues from doing the right thing and taking lifesaving action to stop gun violence. Enough is enough – too many lives have been lost; there are too many empty seats at the dinner table and too many mothers have buried their children. It's time for action; it's time for change," said Congresswoman Kelly. "It's a sad day in America when young people need to take up the mantle and lead because the grown-ups have so greatly failed them. With courage and moral clarity, these young people are fighting for real, lifesaving change and I couldn't be prouder to stand in solidarity with them."
At the rally, Congresswoman Kelly carried with her the photos on some of Chicago's youngest gun violence victims, Xavier Joy (23), Hadiya Pendleton (15), Blair Holt (16) & Takiya Holmes (11). "Every day, I carry these young people, their families and the stories of too many others in my heart and with me in the halls of Congress. It seemed only fitting to carry their photos as we once again demand action to save American lives," said Congresswoman Kelly.
National Walk Out Day marks the one month anniversary of the Parkland tragedy that claimed the lives of 17 students and educators. While some small progress has been made at the state level, Congress remains entrapped by the political power and contributions of the NRA and shows no signs of taking up broadly-supported, bipartisan legislation to save lives and stop the epidemic of gun violence. National Walk Out Day was largely organized by student survivors of the Parkland tragedy and other young people who've simply had enough and no longer want to live in fear that a day at school could be their last.
"To all the young people walking out today, remember, they told Congressman John Lewis to sit down and be quiet too – DON'T! Make good trouble," added Congresswoman Kelly.
