March Fourth was born two days after the mass shooting in Highland Park, IL at a July Fourth parade. After years of feeling helpless, we were desperate to do SOMETHING. We realized the reality of mass shootings as a part of American culture doesn’t need to be a reality at all. 

Within days, our team of dedicated and passionate volunteers joined forces to create the organization. The first mission was to plan a peaceful rally/march in DC in less than a week. “I just want to go to DC, scream at the top of our lungs that we want these weapons of war banned, and not shut up until they listen.” - Kitty Brandtner, Founder.

With 90+ volunteers behind the scenes, a march was organized in D.C. On July 13, 2022, just 9 days after the mass shooting on July 4th, over 500 people, including survivors from Highland Park, IL, Uvalde, TX, and others, joined tens of thousands virtual supporters at the march. Between July 12th and 13th, March Fourth volunteers, survivors, and victims’ families attended over 20 meetings with members of Congress and the White House where we shared stories and urged lawmakers to listen to the majority of Americans who want a ban on assault weapons. March Fourth believes facts and data balanced with emotion are most impactful in driving change on Capitol Hill, so we activate as many voices as possible to share research, metrics, stories, and raw emotion with those who make legislative decisions.