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Some of the March for Our Lives student activists have been traveling across several cities as part of their #RoadToChange tour, which is focused on getting people to vote in the 2018 midterm elections and support gun safety measures.

At a stop in Dallas on July 7, they were speaking to students at Paul Quinn College.


The Parkland activists were well received by the students attending the town hall, but a number of armed protesters showed up outside the venue.

It was an understandably tense moment. After all, these students were only recently removed from the tragic mass shooting at their high school in February 2018 that killed 17 people and thrust them into the national spotlight.

However, some of the Parkland students, including David Hogg, decided to step outside and directly engage with the protesters.

"The reason we’re here today isn’t to take anybody’s guns away. It's to listen," Hogg said.

When people saw Hogg and a gun owner discussing their perceived differences, a small but powerful breakthrough happened.

The two sides talked through their disagreements, and the conversation ended with some tears and lots of hugs.

Fellow Parkland survivor Matt Deitsch chronicled the exchange on Twitter, noting that after one of the protesters began talking with Hogg, a few others approached and joined what turned into a 90-minute conversation.

[rebelmouse-image 19398033 dam="1" original_size="639x388" caption="Image via Matt Deitsch/Twitter." expand=1]Image via Matt Deitsch/Twitter.

[rebelmouse-image 19398034 dam="1" original_size="639x292" caption="Image via Matt Deitsch/Twitter." expand=1]Image via Matt Deitsch/Twitter.

There was plenty of debate, but even in discussing one of America's most intense, partisan issues, the two sides found common ground.

[rebelmouse-image 19398035 dam="1" original_size="605x172" caption="Image via Matt Deitsch/Twitter." expand=1]Image via Matt Deitsch/Twitter.

"This is the most American thing I've ever done," Deitsch noted one protester said. "Thank you so much for helping us understand."

The gun debate remains contentious, but an overwhelming number of Americans actually agree on commonsense reforms.

Talking about those areas and cutting through the noise can lead to real progress.

As Hogg himself said on Twitter after his dialogue with the protesters, "Be open to conversation with those who don't agree [with] because you might learn something."

The Parkland students continue to lead the way on sensible gun reform. While many want to portray each side of debate as extreme, there's nothing controversial about saving lives and keeping people safe. What might be most shocking is how much we have to agree on when we get together and talk about it face-to-face.

A letter from Barack and Michelle Obama following the Parkland shooting has proven to be a powerful exposition about how the student survivors inspire them.

And the Obamas' response to the Feb. 14 attack in turn has stirred the political activism of Majorie Stoneman Douglas High School students in a way that's caught the attention of the nation.

The private letter to students dated March 10 was released to the public on March 21. The timing of its release comes just days before the March for Our Lives rallies are set to take place on March 24 around the nation.


"Not only have you supported and comforted each other, but you’ve helped awaken the conscience of the nation, and challenged decision-makers to make the safety of our children the country’s top priority," they wrote.

They didn't shy away from reminding students how hard advocating for gun reform can be.

Most reactions to the Parkland students' activism has been positive. But many have made attacks on their character and motivations, which is an understandably difficult thing for anyone — much less a teen — to endure. And perhaps more importantly, the students are becoming increasingly aware of just how difficult it is to move federal lawmakers into action, even when the overwhelming majority of voters are behind their cause.

The Obamas know that feeling all too well; the former president was unable to pass any meaningful gun violence reform while in office. "There may be setbacks; you may sometimes feel like progress is too slow in coming," they advised. "But we have no doubt you are going to make an enormous difference in the days and years to come, and we will be there for you."

Even though they've been out of the White House for more than a year, the Obamas are quietly continuing to play the role of "first family" in many situations.

Even most supporters of President Donald Trump would acknowledge that empathy is not his strongest suit. That has left the Obamas in an interesting place, where they occasionally find themselves unofficially playing the roles of comforters-in-chief.

They've clearly been very careful to not get in the way of Trump's role as POTUS. But sometimes the nation just needs a collective hug or pat on the back, and that's something both Michelle and Barack are exceptionally good at.

[rebelmouse-image 19346756 dam="1" original_size="1500x1173" caption="Photo by Pete Souza/Official White House Photo via Share America." expand=1]Photo by Pete Souza/Official White House Photo via Share America.

The Obamas' letter is a necessary reminder that we should encourage students to use their voices.

Student activism has a long history in the United States, from opposing the Vietnam War to more recent causes like Black Lives Matter. You don't even have to agree with the Parkland high schoolers' cause to know it's vital that we give our nation's youth the time and space to find their respective voices.

As the Obamas wrote, "Throughout our history, young people like you have led the way in making America better."

After all, the children (or in this case, teens) are literally our future. And a society of informed and engaged citizens is one that's better for everyone.

In "The Tonight Show's" first full episode since the Parkland high school shooting, Jimmy Fallon praised the student survivors and explained how he plans to help:

After expressing sympathies for the students and teachers who lost their lives when a 19-year-old gunman tore through the school on Feb. 14, Fallon explained why he's been so in awe of the student survivors.

"I think what the students of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School are doing is unbelievable," he began his monologue.  

Fallon continued (emphasis added):


"They're speaking out with more guts, passion, conviction, and common sense than most adults. They're high school students. It's beyond impressive. That strength that they have, it's inspiring. They're angry, and they're doing something about it and creating change. This is a real revolution."

Cameron Kasky, a student at Marjory Stoneman Douglas, addresses other teens after a nationwide walkout to protest gun violence. Photo by Rhona Wise/AFP/Getty Images.

In his monologue, Fallon said he'll be joining Parkland students at the March for Our Lives alongside other activists and celebrity supporters.

In the wake of the shooting — which left 17 people dead and injured several others — Parkland students have rallied a sustained push for common sense gun control solutions. They've been praised for their bold truth-telling during media interviews, passionate speeches demanding change, and social media activism calling on politicians to act.

"If all our government and president can do is send thoughts and prayers, then it's time for victims to be the change that we need to see," student Emma Gonzalez told a crowd of listeners in a rousing speech that's since gone viral.

Parkland student Emma Gonzalez. Photo by Rhona Wise/AFP/Getty Images.

Marjory Stoneman Douglas students are also largely behind the planning and executing of the March for Our Lives demonstration scheduled for March 24 in Washington, D.C. — a protest pushing for legislative answers to gun violence. The demonstration has gained support from several stars, including Oprah Winfrey, George and Amal Clooney, and Fallon.

"I stand behind you guys, and I will be marching alongside you with my wife and two children in D.C. to show our support," Fallon concluded in his monologue. "To every one of you who is speaking out, thank you. I'll see you March 24."

Learn more about and support the March for Our Lives.