Editor’s Note: There have been many comments on social media about news coverage of the school walkouts. We wanted to take a moment to explain our editorial process. The school shooting in Parkland, FL is one that has impacted many of you – including many of us in the newsroom. It has sparked deep and thoughtful debate about gun control and the safety of our children at school. We have approached our coverage of the walkouts from many different angles. We have asked tough questions about safety and security on campuses around the Carolinas. And we have gotten multiple viewpoints about gun control and gun advocacy. Wednesday’s school walkout is just one story.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Thousands of students across the Carolinas participated in National Walkout Day Wednesday, joining middle and high schoolers nationwide in an effort to put an end to gun violence in schools across the U.S.
The protests, which were scheduled for 10 a.m. Wednesday, were organized by students and school officials across the area with the goal of paying tribute to the 17 people killed during a mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla. on February 14.
“This is 100 percent the students' voice. This is the student body saying what they want to say," said Blake Chrusciel, a sophomore at Central Academy of Technology and Arts in Union County. "There's going to be posters. There's going to be shirts, it's going to be pretty big."
At Myers Park High School, hundreds of students gathered in the commons area for an 18-minute vigil honoring those killed. After reading a name of one of those lost in the shooting, the crowd would pause for a minute of silence.
"Fourteen children lost their lives that day," said one student. "All of them were between the ages of 14 and 18."
“Today is not the end. Today is the beginning of making sure this doesn’t happen again. This was about remembering the victims, about reflecting on what we’ve lost and sharing a moment together to grieve," said a Myers Park student. “It’s going to take more than words. It’s going to take more than silence."
Mario Black, founder of the Million Youth March of Charlotte and Salisbury, which focuses on takin a stand against violence and drugs, also spoke at the tribute. Black’s cousin, Daquan Shannon, was shot and killed at an east Charlotte gas station earlier this month and was a student at Myers Park.
"A lot of the people were crying, which I think was really symbolic of how everyone was feeling," said Ella Icard, a Myers Park student. "We all really feel the gravity of the situation."
In Ballantyne, students at Ardrey Kell High School gathered for a vigil similar to that at Myers Park. Students held signs with the phrase “Never Again” on them and joined hands while paying tribute to the Parkland victims.
“This walkout is a very big thing for everyone. We are here to honor the lives of those who were lost at the Florida school shooting,” said Rachel McKinnon, a freshman at Ardrey Kell. “It’s definitely a sad time and we need to remember those who saved others and who risked their lives. They deserve to be remembered for all that they’ve done.”
Union County Public Schools told NBC Charlotte that students are allowed to participate in Wednesday's national school walkout as long as they peacefully and respectfully follow the guidelines, they will not be marked absent.
"We want to support them," said Union County Public Schools Spokesperson Tahira Stalberte. "It has to be in an orderly fashion and we will follow our plans that we have in place for keeping all kids safe."
Providence High School students also participated.