Thread by @annehelen

Reporting from the March for Our Lives in Helena, Montana - Population 30k. This is Amelie, Amanda, and Tyler, who helped organize the event. “This is an incredible opportunity. We didn’t ask adults permission to do this. We just did it.”

This is Francie and Bud, who drove an hour from Cascade to be here. Bud was a history teacher for 37 years; first got shot at in 1973.

“I never dreamed that we’d be in our 70s and have to be marching.”

“It’s important that we’re here in Montana, a state full of people who love guns. We’re not taking about taking everyone’s guns away. We’re talking about sensible gun reform.”

The woman on the far left has been a victim or in close proximity to gun violence her entire life. In 1993, her husband assaulted her and threatened her with a gun; he was arrested, but when he was released, they allowed him to keep his gun.

What a good dad sign

Here’s Helena Mayor Wilmot Collins, the first black mayor elected in Montana & an truly electric public speaker. “We’re not meeting here today because we’re against gun. We’re meeting here because our kids are telling us ‘We want to be safe, and you’re not doing your jobs’”

Wilmot Collins: “I remember when kids used to run *to* school because of safety. Now they run *from* school because of danger. Our kids are holding us accountable, and I’m embarrassed they’re holding us accountable.”

This is Mariah, who helped spearhead the planning of the march. She didn’t want to do an interview b/c the leaders decided they wanted to spread who get to speak for the movement. Posting to highlight just how thoughtful these students are about the way their movement is mediated

This Trevor Noah quote is all over student speeches and signs here in Helena

“In a few years, in a few MONTHS, we will be exercising our right to vote. We will not vote for politicians who are the pocket of the NRA. We are the future of this state, we are the future of this country, and we say enough is enough.”

The crowd here in Helena. “The courage of students all over the country - and here in Montana - has already had an immeasurable impact...You kids are saying something *can* be done, and I don’t think you’re going to stop until it *is* done.”

Montana Protest Dog

Now speaking: John Moffat, who was shot in the Lewistown, MT school shooting in 1986. “20 years later, the students who were in that room are still receiving counseling.”

Always look for the grandmas, they have the most elaborate signs

This is Sylvia. Today, she registered to vote.

Jack Copps, Helena Superintendent, father to Montana Gov. Steve Bullock, grandfather to a 5th grader, shot by a 4th grader in Butte in 1994:

“Every young person: don’t let this movement stop here. Carry it forward.”

Josh Manning (@joshuamanning23) and his daughter. Manning was one of dozens of #VetsForGunReform at the Helena March

Final note from out here in Montana. They’re not just mobilizing. They’re registering to vote. According to these volunteers, the vast majority who registered today: young people.

March For Our Lives Rallies Made A Huge Push To Register Teen Voters Across The US:

buzzfeed.com/carolineodonov…