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 Blackman (@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.
Thank you for standing up for the next generation of kids to come through the school system all over the country. #NeverAgain
— Lindsay Knauf (@FloodLakes) March 14, 2018
I'm from Newtown (Sandy Hook) and seeing the action that is finally taking place means the world to all of us here. Sending all our strength to you who are forcing law makers to sit up and take notice finally.
— Lindsay Knauf (@FloodLakes) March 14, 2018
Filmmaker and director Ava DuVernay also reached out to Blackman with a powerful Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. quote.
"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy ." – Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. #NationalWalkoutDay https://t.co/sBtJ0II6YG
— Ava DuVernay (@ava) March 14, 2018
Others also reached out to Blackman saying they stand beside him.
You’re demonstrating more courage and ethics than the majority of our elected representatives. Good for you and good for us!!!
— sbrandon (@sbra60510) March 14, 2018
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… (@hattiepearlh) 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.
— M.C.Kie ???? Louise Adams (@CultureFactotum) March 14, 2018
You are amazing. Thank you.
— Beezle Bub (@velocirocksugar) March 14, 2018
You are AWESOME Justin! The country sees you. ✊????✊????✊????✊????
— Crooked Stable Genius (@ButtersV2) March 14, 2018
"Stand up for what is right, even if you stand alone." – Suzy Kassem
Good on you, dude. Kia kaha, stay strong.
— Grid Ⓥ (@griddles83) March 14, 2018
“One voice can change a room, & if one voice can change a room, then it can change a city, and if it can change a city, it can change a state, & if it changes a state, it can change a nation…” @BarackObama #takesCourage
— kimberly chandler (@kimchandler123) March 14, 2018