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Boston March for Our Lives: Information on the demonstration against gun violence

Including street closures

From a March for Our Lives rally in Washington, D.C., on March 18
Megan H Landmeier/Shutterstock

What organizers are billing as March for Our Lives will wend its way from Roxbury to Boston Common on Saturday, March 24, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., with a rally following.

The events are designed to stem gun violence in the U.S., particularly in schools (students are leading Saturday’s march).

The march in particular is expected to disrupt traffic through stoppages and closures. Here is more information on that as well as other details to know if you’re planning to go or want to work around.

Where does it start and where is it going?

Participants are expected to gather at Madison Park Technical Vocational High School at 75 Malcolm X Boulevard in Roxbury from about 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. The march starts then.

It will basically go up Columbus Avenue toward the Common along this route, according to the city:

  • Participants will depart from Madison Park High and proceed on Malcolm X Boulevard;
  • turn right onto Tremont Street;
  • left onto Melnea Cass Boulevard;
  • right onto Columbus Avenue, right onto Park Plaza;
  • left onto Charles Street South, straight onto Charles Street;
  • and then into the Common

The Common rally starts at 2 p.m. and is expected to last much of the afternoon.

How do you get there?

Officials do not want participants in the rally or the march to drive to Madison Park High or to the Common. Instead, they are recommending the Boston region’s Blue Bikes bike-share or the T.

Madison Park High is across the street from the Roxbury Crossing stop of the Orange Line, and several bus routes service it, too (try the MBTA’s handy trip planner).

The city is also recommending that those taking the T purchase a round-trip ticket rather than a one-way to help speed up their departures post-event.

Finally, whether you’re going to the events or you’re trying to get around them to go about your day Saturday, know this: These areas will be tow zones/no-stopping zones, per the Boston Police Department:

  • Charles Street, both sides, from Boylston Street to Beacon Street
  • Beacon Street, both sides, from Park Street to Arlington Street
  • Arlington Street, both sides, from Beacon Street to Boylston Street
  • Boylston Street, both sides, from Arlington Street to Tremont Street
  • Malcolm X Boulevard, both sides, from Roxbury Street to Tremont Street

What can you bring and what should you not bring?

Organizers and officials are suggesting that participants not bring backpacks or non-service pets. And—as if we have to note—weapons, narcotics, and alcohol are also not permitted.

Organizers don’t want participants wielding shields or wearing masks, either.

Water, snacks, smartphones, and signs are permitted.

Will there be a counter-demonstration?

Yes. A group called Resist Marxism, which opposes gun-sale restrictions, plans to host a counter-rally in the Common starting at 11 a.m.