50 Miles More: Student-Led Marches for Gun Control
Following the momentum of the March For Our Lives in March 2018, a new wave of youth activism emerged in the form of 50 Miles More. This movement focuses on mobilizing young people across different schools, regions, and communities to build lasting bonds among activists, creating a strong foundation for future action regarding gun control legislation.
The Origins of the Movement
The movement began in Wisconsin, where students organized a 50-mile march from Madison to Janesville. The destination was chosen specifically because Janesville is the hometown of then-Speaker of the House Paul Ryan. The students marched to demand that Ryan support legislation to control gun ownership and usage.
The four-day journey was inspired by the historic 54-mile Selma to Montgomery march for civil rights. By mirroring this legacy of endurance and protest, the Wisconsin march gained international attention and set the stage for a national expansion.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Expanding the Reach: #50more in #50states
To ensure the momentum did not fade after the initial Wisconsin event, student organizers launched the #50more in #50states campaign. This initiative challenged young people in every U.S. state to conduct their own 50-mile march.
The goal of these marches was to target the hometowns or offices of elected officials backed by the National Rifle Association (NRA), ensuring that the voices of the youth continued to be heard by policymakers across the country.
The Massachusetts Challenge
Massachusetts became the first state to respond to the #50more in #50states challenge. Activists there marched 50 miles from Worcester City Hall to the headquarters of Smith & Wesson, one of the largest gun manufacturers in the United States.
The purpose of this specific march was to raise awareness regarding the role of Smith & Wesson in the gun violence epidemic and to demand a halt to the production of all weapons that are outlawed within the state of Massachusetts.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]The Milwaukee to Madison March
On June 26, 2020, despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, organizers announced a new initiative: "The Milwaukee to Madison March." This event involved a 65-mile trek across Wisconsin.
The march began at City Hall in Milwaukee on June 30, 2020, and concluded in Madison on Independence Day, July 4, 2020. Beyond general gun control, organizers used this march to call on Wisconsin elected officials to increase protections for Black youth, specifically highlighting the needs of Black women and Black LGBTQ+ youth in the state.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Key Facts
- Inspiration: The movement was inspired by the Selma to Montgomery civil rights march.
- Initial Target: The first march targeted Speaker of the House Paul Ryan in Janesville, Wisconsin.
- National Campaign: The #50more in #50states campaign encouraged 50-mile marches in every state toward NRA-backed officials.
- Corporate Protest: Massachusetts activists marched to the Smith & Wesson headquarters.
- Intersectionality: The 2020 Milwaukee to Madison march specifically advocated for Black youth, Black women, and Black LGBTQ+ youth.
| Event | Route/Location | Distance | Primary Objective |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin Initial March | Madison to Janesville | 50 Miles | Demand gun control support from Paul Ryan |
| Massachusetts March | Worcester City Hall to Smith & Wesson | 50 Miles | Protest gun manufacturing and outlawed weapons |
| Milwaukee to Madison March | Milwaukee to Madison | 65 Miles | Protect Black youth, women, and LGBTQ+ youth |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary goal of 50 Miles More?
The primary goal is to unite young activists across different regions to create a strong foundation for advocating for and implementing gun control legislation.
What inspired the distance and format of the marches?
The marches were inspired by the 54-mile Selma to Montgomery march for civil rights, utilizing long-distance walking as a form of peaceful protest and visibility.
What was the purpose of the #50more in #50states campaign?
It was a challenge for youth in every state to hold a 50-mile march to the office or hometown of an NRA-backed elected official to maintain political momentum.
Who did the Milwaukee to Madison March specifically advocate for?
The march called on officials to do more to protect Black youth in Wisconsin, including Black women and Black LGBTQ+ youth.
Which gun manufacturer was targeted in the Massachusetts march?
Activists marched to the headquarters of Smith & Wesson to protest their contribution to gun violence and the production of weapons outlawed in Massachusetts.