FCA Knights Walk for Peace

Story by Serenity Bussey. Photo courtesy of the FNN News Team.

On July 20, 2023, Friendship News Network participated in the 202 For Peace Walk. The walk was an effort to spread awareness about increased gun violence happening in D.C. The three hour event included an ice cream truck, fun activities, and different stations dedicated to educating people on topics like tuition aid.

According to research, on average 155 people die a year due to guns in Washington D.C. In 2023, that number is expected to be 643,301. Back in 2020, it was 712,816. Violence in D.C. is at a high and it needs to stop before more lives are taken.

According to Dr. Carlos Richardson, who is both a social studies teacher at FCA and an ANC commissioner, the walk was hosted in hopes of making a change in the amount of lives taken by guns every day. “The 2023 Peace Walk was an inspirational coming together of the community, with the hope of bringing awareness to the violence within our communities in the spirit of us taking a stand for peace.”

FNN reporter Maestro Joyner attended and enjoyed the walk. “It exposes the reality of what's happening in the streets to the people involved, and opens their eyes to do something to stop violence against children.”

I think a great way to limit gun violence happening in D.C is to put an age limit on people allowed to have weapons. Some people carry weapons solely for safety purposes, and that’s completely fine. But a 16-year-old has no need for a gun. 

March for Our Lives is an organization that holds an annual protest walk against gun violence. If you can attend a protest, please do! More activism is needed so we can make changes we wish to see in the world.

Serenity Bussey is a freshman at Friendship Collegiate Academy.