Dwyane Wade is following up his support of students at Marjory Stoneman Douglas with encouragement for the students across the country protesting in favor of gun control reform.
The Miami Heat guard spoke on Wednesday after students around the United States staged walkouts and other protests to bring attention to gun control measures in light of continued gun violence in schools and the inaction of local, state and federal governments to pass legislation meant to limit gun violence.
Wade said that it’s great to see students “take a stand” and try to bring change to the country in the wake of a school shooting that killed 17 people in Florida last month. Wade spoke to reporters on Wednesday and, according to the Miami Sun-Sentinel, he offered high praise for those who walked out in protest.
He credited the teens at Stoneman Douglas for spearheading the walkouts, but spoke of the importance of children from countless communities for taking part in doing something about deadly violence in schools and beyond.
“It’s great for all the kids to rally around what happened, but understanding that it’s in support of all the kids nationwide,” Wade said before sitting out Wednesday night’s game against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center due to a lingering hamstring injury. “This is obviously led by Parkland 17, but it’s for all kids in all communities and they all are getting it and all are understanding the stronger they are together — and they all do things together,” he said. “It’s great to see our youth take a stand and do the things they feel is necessary.”
Wade said he “loved” what the students are doing and voiced a hope that many have pinned on the protests, adding that he hopes it keeps the issue of gun violence in the political and social forefront, applauding how they aren’t letting the issue fade away. While Wade credited their commitment, but added that others need to join in and take part in the protests and calls to action.
“There is all these things these kids are on top of,” he said. “It’s something that not only they should be on top of, but all of us as adults as parents, this has to do with our kids, too.
“It’s something we should all want to get behind and support and see if all of our voices together matter when it comes to legislation and all these things.”
Wade is a particularly powerful voice and was greatly impacted by the shooting in Parkland after one of the victims was buried wearing his Miami Heat jersey. He visited the school last week and told students he was inspired by their resiliency, and it looks like that certainly hasn’t changed in the days since.
