Thousands of demonstrators gathered in Cleveland Saturday to show their support for the “March For Our Lives” movement.

The rally began at 11 a.m. and was followed by a march around Public Square.

Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson and several student activists addressed the crowd, urging people to contact their representatives and demand stricter gun legislation.

“We are largest, most educated and most diverse generation to date, and we are the generation that will end mass gun violence in the United States,” said Katrina Cassell, a junior at Shaker Heights High School.

The mother of a 15-year old survivor of the Feb. 14 shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School spoke as well.

“We the people need to pledge that we will vote out those who currently hold office that accept money from the gun lobby in lieu of protecting their constituents’ lives,” she said.

Throughout the rally, demonstrators chanted “enough is enough” and “not one more.” Many held up posters supporting stricter gun laws.   

“I feel like it’s just so stupid that people value their guns over students’ lives,” said Rebekah Ferro, a Cleveland State student who attended the rally. “Students and teachers shouldn’t have to worry about getting shot when they go to school.”

Gabi Thompson, a student at St. Vincent-St Mary High School, said she was inspired to attend the rally because she wanted to be heard.

“I just wanted to get my voice out there because I feel like this is the best way to make changes,” Thompson said.

The march was just one of over 800 that took place worldwide. The largest march was in Washington D.C., where hundreds of thousands of demonstrators came out in support of stricter gun laws.

Paige Bennett is a feature writer. Contact her at [email protected].