On Wednesday, March 14th, students around the country participated in a 17-minute school walkout to honor the 17 victims who died in the Parkland shooting earlier this year, and to protest for harsher gun control laws in America. All around the country, incredible photos of students and teachers using their voice and first amendment right to participate in a peaceful protest. One teen, however, was the only student to participate in the walkout at his school and shared his story on Twitter. 16-year-old Justin Blackman from Wilson Preparatory Academy in Wilson, Carolina posted a video to his Twitter account showing his walkout solo.
Wow I’m literally the only one #NationalSchoolWalkout pic.twitter.com/2F95qY2vTI
— justin (@JustinIBlackman) March 14, 2018
CNN reported that about 700 students go to Wilson Preparatory Academy, yet, Blackman was the only student who decided to leave class and participate in National Walk Out Day. He stayed outside for the 17-minutes and returned to his class after. When he posted the video on Twitter, he didn’t expect anyone to really watch it. But, Blackman was shocked when over 200,000 people responded to his courageous decision.
Lindsay Knauf from Newtown, CT where the Sandy Hook shooting took place reached out and thanked Blackman for helping make a change.
https://twitter.com/FloodLakes/status/973926441585926145
https://twitter.com/FloodLakes/status/973935618576265217
Filmmaker and director Ava DuVernay also reached out to Blackman with a powerful Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. quote.
https://twitter.com/ava/status/973974628048818181
Others also reached out to Blackman saying they stand beside him.
https://twitter.com/sbra60510/status/973930224944603138
Hi Justin I’m with you! My 11 yr old daughter participated in #NationalSchoolWalkout I couldn’t be any prouder knowing she took a stand yesterday. Keep up the good work
— h… (@TickleMeDodgers) March 15, 2018
https://twitter.com/bill_weinstein2/status/973962535664746497
Go Justin go! We are watching & we are so grateful for your leadership!
— Joanna P. Adler 🌻 (@AdlerJo) March 14, 2018
Proud of your courage. Much love to you 😘
— Leslie Warlick (@WarlickLeslie) March 14, 2018
Thank you Justin. We've got your back. You are brave and strong.
— 🪷 KEEP CALM AND KAMALA 🇺🇦 MC🗝KEY 🟧 (@CultureFactotum) March 14, 2018
You are amazing. Thank you.
— your mom-thra (@velocirocksugar) March 14, 2018
https://twitter.com/ButtersV2/status/973951852566872064
"Stand up for what is right, even if you stand alone." – Suzy Kassem
Good on you, dude. Kia kaha, stay strong.
— Ingrid 🌱🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️🇳🇿 (@griddles83) March 14, 2018
https://twitter.com/kimchandler123/status/973951800029143041