Plans Under Way For March For Our Lives Birmingham

BIRMINGHAM, AL - The aftermath of a school shooting in Parkland, Florida, has included - among the mourning and grief surrounding the 17 students and teachers who were killed - a grassroots campaign for gun control sparked by survivors of the tragedy. Students have singled out March 24 for the March for our Lives campaign aimed at urging politicians to tighten gun laws and work toward preventing school shootings. And the Birmingham community is getting on board.

Two Birmingham residents, Lane Stanley and Paige Gardner, started a Facebook group for March for our Lives Birmingham, and are partnering with student activists to get more of the community involved. So far, the effort has been met with overwhelming support.

"Right now we are letting our student leaders get organized and make some initial decisions," Stanley said. "We are passionate about letting them take the lead and make this event about their voices being heard."

Stanley said she and Gardner started the Facebook group in the hopes that there would be some interest and student leaders would emerge. "And Birmingham's big heart, as usual, exceeds my expectations," Stanley said.

The Facebook group already has more than 1,300 members and is still growing. The creation of the group has sparked more groups on other social media platforms as well.

"I would also love to encourage interested college students to make contact with the students currently working on this," Stanley said. "Their input and leadership could be so valuable."

People wishing to get involved can join the March for our Lives Birmingham Facebook group, and student volunteers can join the effort by emailing mfolbirmingham@gmail.com. Also people can follow on Instagram @/mfolbirmingham and Snapchat @/mfolbirmingham.

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