
Another week, another major, student-organized national march for gun control and school safety! Tomorrow’s March for Our Lives is expected to draw tens of thousands of protesters to the main event in Washington, D.C., organized by the badass Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School students who lost 14 of their classmates to a gunman’s bullets on February 14.
But, like last week’s National School Walkout (also coordinated by Parkland, Florida teens), cities across the U.S. have organized their own marches to coincide with D.C’s rally. As of now, nearly 10,000 people have indicated they’re attending Portland’s March for Our Lives, expected to begin around 10:30 a.m. tomorrow at the North Park Blocks and snake through downtown to Pioneer Courthouse Square. The march will be followed by a rally, starting around 12:00 p.m. and a performance by Portland’s own Portugal. The Man.
And since gun control is more important than cold toes, the march will take place rain or shine (or snow… or hail). But! If you’re not able to make it, no fear: the Merc’s trusty news team will be on the ground and sharing updates on twitter (@kenoyerkelly & @alex_zee).
For more info on Portland's march, here are links to the two different Facebook events behind it. To follow national coverage of the hundreds of marches taking place tomorrow, follow the #MarchforOurLives hashtag on twitter.
Wanting to avoid the masses or try to avoid parking chaos? Portland Bureau of Transportation’s got you covered with this handy tweet thread:
Thousands are expected in downtown Portland Sat 3/24 for #MarchForOurLives Here’s what folks need to know about impacts to traffic and public transit. March working w the city to limit disruption. Pro Tip: Plan ahead, take transit. #pdxtraffic #pdx #MarchForOurLivespdx pic.twitter.com/OqpJnjolzP
— Portland Bureau of Transportation (@PBOTinfo) March 22, 2018
Expect all lanes on W Burnside St to be CLOSED from Broadway to 9th Ave., 10:30am to Noon on 3/24. Also closures in N Park Blocks area, Burnside-Davis. Use alternate routes, expect delays in the area. More closures as needed day of event. #pdxtraffic
— Portland Bureau of Transportation (@PBOTinfo) March 22, 2018
If you’re going to the #MarchforOurLivespdx event, we encourage public transit, biking and walking. Check https://t.co/8qTTHtrAsd for service alerts, delays. If u drive, try Smart Park Garages & walk from there. Thx for working w us to plan a safe event! #pdxtraffic
— Portland Bureau of Transportation (@PBOTinfo) March 23, 2018
Update: We originally wrote that Portland's march began at noon instead of 10:30 a.m. —and apologize for any confusion.
For the latest in information about rallies, marches, and political events, consult the Mercury's RESISTANCE & SOLIDARITY calendar. Want to publicize an event? Send the info to calendar@portlandmercury.com.