After the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting last week in Florida that left 17 people dead, celebrities are coming together to promote the “March for Our Lives” movement that was created by survivors of the tragedy. The march will take place in Washington D.C. on March 24th, and the movement’s mission statement is to “demand that their lives and safety become a priority and that we end gun violence and mass shootings in our schools today.”
George and Amal Clooney were two of the first celebrities to express their emotional and financial support to the march, in a statement that George made yesterday.
“Our family will be there on March 24 to stand side by side with this incredible generation of young people from all over the country, and in the name of our children, Ella and Alexander, we’re donating $500,000 to help pay for this groundbreaking event,” he said. “Our children’s lives depend on it.”
Echoing the Clooney’s sentiments, Oprah — who sparked a possible presidential run back in January — tweeted last night that she would match the donation and she was proud of the high schoolers who are using their voices to enact change.
George and Amal, I couldn’t agree with you more. I am joining forces with you and will match your $500,000 donation to ‘March For Our Lives.’ These inspiring young people remind me of the Freedom Riders of the 60s who also said we’ve had ENOUGH and our voices will be heard.
— Oprah Winfrey (@Oprah) February 20, 2018
Director Steven Spielberg and his wife, actress Kate Capshaw, also matched the $500,000 donation and called those who started the movement, “an inspiration to us all.”
Singer Justin Bieber expressed his support for the event, by mentioning the name of the survivor and high school junior Cameron Kasky who first announced the march on Sunday.
Cameron good talking to you last night. All of your bravery is amazing. I stand with you guys. #march24 #marchforourlives https://t.co/oKG8MmhzaI
— Justin Bieber (@justinbieber) February 18, 2018
Other celebrities used their platform to talk about the march.
Parkland Survivors and others that are standing up through the media are so brave and are true role models. I’m speechless at their courage. And so proud that these kids and young adults are our future. #GunControl #ParklandStudents The question now is will our leaders listen.
— Lady Gaga (@ladygaga) February 19, 2018
Believe Young Women &
Men From Parkland Shooting Can Make Difference‼️
Changing Awareness Is IMPORTANT,But IF YOUNG PPL “VOTE”THEY WILL SCARE CONGRESS IN2 ACTING‼️”
LOSING THEIR”JOBS”IS WHAT CONG.FEARS MOST‼️”SHOOTINGS”CAN HAPPEN IN”ANY”SCHOOL.KIDS CAN BE CATALYSTS 4 CHANGE— Cher (@cher) February 19, 2018
These young survivors of the Parkland shooting give voice to a nation’s outrage @CNN https://t.co/0Jwoi6gu1W
— Jimmy Kimmel (@jimmykimmel) February 18, 2018
You can donate to the movement or sign up to march by going on their website.