Philly students take steps to demand action on gun violence

Around 250 young people stood on the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art Monday to show solidarity and continue demanding that politicians take action in changing gun policies. Many held signs bearing names and pictures of lost loved ones, while some shared their experiences of loss. Journalist Helen Ubinas, who organized the event for a third year in a row, said she wants to focus attention on gun violence in Philadelphia. At some point, she hopes to let the youth take over so their voices can be heard. “We should all be very inspired by what Philadelphia students are doing and what they’re thinking,” said Ubinas, a columnist for the Philadelphia Inquirer and Daily News. “In many ways, we have the leaders we’re seeing in Florida right here in Philadelphia.” Niyaa Dupree, 16, a student at Building 21, said Monday politicians value guns more than black lives. “We get shot every day,” she said. “There’s no laws. There’s nothing being done about us being killed every day in the streets. When the day comes that I am as important as a gun, then that’s the day that I’ll be happy.” Ciani Newkirk, 15, a student at Parkway Center City Middle College, said she knows a lot of people who’ve lost someone. And she lost a cousin in 2010. Lawmakers should visit the city for a better understanding of the issue, she suggested. “Maybe they should visit a neighborhood in Philadelphia or walk down the streets and see what […]

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