LOUISVILLE, Ky. — March for Our Lives, a youth-led group started after the Parkland, Fla., school shootings in 2018, organized rallies across the country Saturday to support ending gun violence.
It’s a topic that hits too close to home for Donna Munoz.
What You Need To Know
- March for Our Lives rallies took place across the country this weekend following the mass shooting in Texas
- Over 450 gun-safety marches were held in at least 45 states
- Donna Munoz and her family marched in the Louisville rally in memory of her brother in law
“Today I’m here in memory of my brother-in-law, Jose Munoz. He was gunned down at 25 in Olive Garden on Feb. 23, 2019,” Munoz said.
Munoz and her family took part in the March for Our Lives rally in Louisville. It was a coordinated call for action following the mass shooting at Robb Elementary in Uvalde, Texas, which killed 21 people, including 19 children.
“Family support is really important, as we’re all dealing with it in our own ways, so it lets other families know they are not alone,” Munoz said. “We’re also with them on this journey.”
The rally started at Metro Hall, where Mayor Greg Fischer, along with U.S. Rep. John Yarmuth, members of the Office for Safe & Healthy Neighborhoods and families of gun violence victims, spoke about the need to take action.
The rally was followed by a march down 6th Street to the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Plaza at Sixth and Chestnut, then back to Metro Hall for a closing song performed by local youth.
“He was always fun, spirited, little shy and quiet when you first meet him until you got warmed up to him, always smiling, very calm,” Munoz said of her brother-in-law. “He’s a father of one. He has a son in Mexico. He was 6 years old when his father was murdered.”
Munoz and her family held signs and wore shirts that translated to “my voice will be your voice,” a promise she plans to keep.
“Mainly what I’m hoping is to get the message to let young people know to come out and join us,” Munoz said. “There are other things to do in the community, but mostly let lawmakers know they were tired and were ready for a change.”
Munoz is still awaiting the trial for her brother-in-law. It was pushed back because of COVID-19, but has been rescheduled to Nov. 8, 2022.
March for Our Lives said over 450 gun-safety marches were planned in at least 45 states Saturday.