Hundreds of Brooklyn Students March Against Gun Violence, Use Voices to Enact Change

Students of Crown Heights’ Launch Expeditionary Learning Charter School lead 8th Annual Walkout to End Gun Violence on National Gun Violence Awareness Day

The students of Brooklyn’s Launch Expeditionary Learning Charter School (Launch) – some of whom have lost loved ones to gun violence – are fed up. In response to gun violence in their community, they led the school’s 8th Annual Walkout to End Gun Violence on National Gun Violence Awareness Day, in partnership with Save Our Streets (SOS Brooklyn).

On June 2, hundreds of 6th, 7th and 8th grade students, along with the support of their teachers and administrators, wore matching orange shirts and walked out of school to take a stand against gun violence. Holding homemade banners and signs, they marched to Restoration Plaza in Bed-Stuy and held a rally.

The walkout and rally serves as more than a protest – it’s a platform where students can use their voices to express their concerns and calls for a future without gun violence. At the rally, students not only used their actual voices by chanting and giving speeches, but expressed themselves artistically – donning student-designed matching anti-gun violence shirts, displaying a gorgeous hand-painted backdrop and performing song and dance numbers. The students also engaged with the community, gathering signatures for a petition to demand elected officials advocate for more gun control, investments in community-based violence prevention and enhancements in education and outreach from elected officials.

Launch’s annual walkout – held on National Gun Violence Awareness Day – holds considerable significance for the school’s predominantly Black and Brown community in Crown Heights. By placing students’ voices at the heart of this event, the school fosters an environment of empowerment, enabling students to be the driving force behind the change they wish to see.

One student ambassador, 7th grader Jahmir Caton, lost his cousin to gun violence two years ago. He has turned his grief into action, participating in a rally organized by his family and friends in his cousin’s honor. He served as a leader of today’s rally and has his sights set on John Jay High School for Law.

“When I heard the news about my cousin, I was so young, and it changed my life. It changed my perspective of gun violence. Today really made me feel positive about this, and as a leader, I know I can make change,” Caton said. “I would really like for policymakers to make stricter gun laws, and to increase the chance of Brooklyn being gun-free.”

“This gathering represents a meaningful expression of our students’ commitment to social change and community safety,” said Tiayana Logan, Director of Enrichment at Launch. “Our annual Walkout to End Gun Violence undeniably provides compelling narratives and powerful images that underscore the importance of addressing gun violence in our communities.”

Launch encourages student activism, and it is a central part of the school’s approach to experiential learning. Launch’s interdisciplinary exploration of gun violence includes a public health perspective in its science curriculum; the study of literature centered around the theme of gun violence; a thorough understanding of the Bill of Rights and the 2nd Amendment in social studies; the crafting of news stories and petitions debating the arming of school staff; and the creation of protest posters.

About Launch Expeditionary Learning Charter School

Founded in 2012, Launch is a charter school serving approximately 300 students in grades 6-8 in Central Brooklyn. As part of the NYC Outward Bound network, Launch emphasizes teamwork, field trips, and social action. Launch is committed to serving all students through the thoughtful implementation of EL Education Core Practices. Launch gives students opportunities to learn with purpose, develop their character, and unleash their potential through compelling hands-on learning and a deep sense of belonging and personal agency. The school has a restorative justice approach to discipline, which is a community-based approach to build, repair, and restore relationships. With individualized high school admissions support, Launch graduates attend high schools with an average graduation rate of 90 percent, compared with the district’s 60 percent graduation rate.  To learn more, visit www.launchschool.org.