Gun control activists in Boston staged a “back-to-school” fashion show Monday morning featuring bulletproof vests, helmets and other safety gear.
Gun control activists in Boston staged a "back-to-school" fashion show Monday morning featuring bulletproof vests, helmets and other safety gear.
The event at Boston City Hall plaza was meant to call for stricter gun laws.
Manuel and Patricia Oliver, the parents of one of the victims of the February massacre at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, were among those in attendance.
Organizers say the event turned City Hall plaza into a fashion show complete with a catwalk and a DJ. They also hung a large banner with the image of the Olivers' son, Joaquin.
The show featured models representing students from elementary school to college.
"It's important that we make a change, and make schools safer for our children, or students our siblings and our whole community," said Kiara Dejesus who attended the show from Lawrence.
Last week, the Olivers and Parkland shooting survivor David Hogg marched with local gun control activists 50 miles to the headquarters of gun maker Smith & Wesson in Springfield.
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"They think we’re going after the 2nd amendment, and we're not. That is not the problem. The 2nd amendment is OK," said Manuel Oliver. "The way you treat the 2nd amendment is what's wrong."
It was during the march on Sunday when the Olivers say they found out about the shooting at a gaming event in Jacksonville.
While the fashion show is a new approach to getting a point across, organizers said their message is clear: if you want gun reform, get out and vote.
"We're gonna fix this November 6th," Manuel Oliver said.