Triangle kids 'put thumbprint on history' at 'March for Our Lives' rally in D.C.

Many of the kids had never left North Carolina or even Raleigh before they got to become part of history.

“The new generation doesn’t just sit on their phones all day. We can get out and make a change,” said Troy Johnson, Director of Youth Men for Christ.

The Youth Men for Christ and the North Carolina Preparedness Co-op, two groups trying to provide mentorship and opportunities for kids in the Raleigh area, decided to try to organize a last-minute trip to Washington, D.C. for the march.

The group raised $5,000 in just a few weeks, but those who participated said the experience was priceless.

“It was a very humbling experience, one to know we had an opportunity to put a thumbprint on history, to make something happen for young men that they’ll remember for the rest of their lives,” Johnson said.

The teens returned to North Carolina on Saturday night, inspired to have been a part of the massive movement.

“It wasn’t about race, it wasn’t about color, it wasn’t about sexual orientation, but the young men had an opportunity to see collectively how this thing called gun violence affects them,” Johnson said.

Johnson said the young men who attended the march are now inspired to write letters to lawmakers and continue the fight against gun violence.

“Speaking out is more than just marching and more than just picketing, but it’s action,” Johnson said.

David McLennan, a professor of political science at Meredith College, said that action could put pressure on lawmakers in North Carolina because, in a few years, the kids participating in marches will be casting their ballots.

“Young people are not going away, they’re only going to increase the pressure, so it will be an interesting year to watch how lawmakers respond to continued pressure,” he said.