The survivors of last month’s Parkland shooting have gotten national attention through their activism and commitment to pressuring U.S. leaders for stricter gun control. Their efforts have garnered praise from celebrities including Oprah, George Clooney, G-Eazy, and more, but they’ve also caught the special attention of former President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle.
The couple wrote a heartfelt letter to the students of Marjory Stoneman Douglas, who survived the worst high school shooting in U.S. history with 17 fatalities. In the letter, which was obtained and published by Mic on Wednesday, the Obamas talk about how the young activists have “inspired” them in the month since the shooting. The letter was dated March 10.
“We wanted to let you know how inspired we have been by the resilience, resolve and solidarity that you have all shown in the wake of unspeakable tragedy,” they wrote. “Not only have you supported and comforted each other, but you’ve helped awaken the conscience of the nation, and challenged decision-makers to make the safety of our children the country’s top priority.”
As pointed out by Daily Dot, the sentiments in the letter mirror those the couple tweeted in the days following the shooting. “Young people have helped lead all our great movements. How inspiring to see it again in so many smart, fearless students standing up for their right to be safe; marching and organizing to remake the world as it should be,” the former president wrote on Twitter. “We’ve been waiting for you. And we’ve got your backs.”
“I’m in total awe of the extraordinary students in Florida. Like every movement for progress in our history, gun reform will take unyielding courage and endurance. But @barackobama and I believe in you, we’re proud of you, and we’re behind you every step of the way,” the former first lady previously wrote.
Young people have helped lead all our great movements. How inspiring to see it again in so many smart, fearless students standing up for their right to be safe; marching and organizing to remake the world as it should be. We've been waiting for you. And we've got your backs.
I’m in total awe of the extraordinary students in Florida. Like every movement for progress in our history, gun reform will take unyielding courage and endurance. But @barackobama and I believe in you, we’re proud of you, and we’re behind you every step of the way.
Following the shooting, Obama also publicly called for “common-sense gun safety laws” to be passed, something he advocated for during his own presidency. On Saturday, students and activists will rally in Washington D.C. to participate in the national “March For Our Lives” protest organized by Parkland survivors.
Read the Obamas’ full letter here.
