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Marcus Benjamin @_benjaminmoney
Gun violence has often been a topic of conversation for people of all ages with the recent mass shootings. This past weekend, the March For Our Lives rally in Washington D.C., was one of the largest youth protests in history with an estimated 200,000 in attendance. Violence at high schools is not new news, but today’s youth is committed to abolish old laws. The shooting at Stoneman Douglas High School in South Florida put the entire country on notice of how dangerous high schools have become.
Carol City quarterback Daniel Richardson is one of the many that are leading the movement toward change. The transfer from Miami Booker T. Washington feels his performance on the field is minor to the importance of leading the drive for better gun control laws.
“We want to be safe in our schools that’s the biggest thing,” said Richardson. “We have to find a way to do that.
The Douglas shooting in Parkland struck an emotional chord with the leader known as D-Rich. Stoneman Douglas is just 30 minutes away from his home in Carol City.
“I cried. I got emotional about it. When kids die, it’s different from adults. We are with our classmates more during the week than our families. It was a lot of pain I felt and I’m just using it as motivation to do what I’m doing now.”
Richardson serves as the youth ambassador for the progressive organization, Don’t Take My Life Let Me Live. The organization dedicates their efforts to the lives of people who lost their life to gun violence. They arrange different events that are geared to continue the conversation involving mass shootings and creates awareness in hopes to reduce the number of deaths from gun violence. On March 14th, a national youth protest widely known as “the walk out,” saw thousands of students walk out of their classrooms to protest against gun violence. At Carol City High School, Richardson and his organization used this opportunity to give out wristbands and T-shirts that stated company name and motto. His organization also held a youth summit the entire week of spring break.
“We are trying to create a way to stop all this violence going on especially in Miami-Dade. We have killings every week and something has to happen. Adults never hear what we have to say about it and this is our way. I’m hoping to get other schools involved and different football teams together to keep this movement going.”
Terry Wright the founder of the organization is also looking to create an app where individuals can submit information or anonymous tips to prevent potential gun violence.
As a freshman, D-Rich lead his team to a fourth consecutive state championship book-ending an era of dominance by the Tornadoes. Every season thereafter Richardson has been looking to match that level of success. Last year was the toughest for him as he suffered a season ending injury mid-season and Booker T. missed the playoffs for the first time in 16 years. Coaching changes influenced the move to Carol City as Head Coach Benedict Hyppolite served as offensive coordinator for D-Rich during his freshman season.
“I feel we have the team at Carol City to win a state championship. We have all the right pieces. We have to just play smart football. Coach preaches about showing up and giving your best effort and if we give it our all. We’ll be successful.”
“ New Journey , New Number , New Team , Same Goal “🔸⚫️🦍 #zuunation pic.twitter.com/y8Z7UX2xjP
— Daniel Richardson D2🔥 (@doc_d12) January 21, 2018
Richardson is a three star dual threat quarterback that can make plays with his feet as well as with his arm. His mentor Michael Vick trains with the young QB and he hopes to land an offer from the NFL pro’s alma mater.
“I have a great relationship with Mike Vick. I’ve known him for about two years. We work out sometimes. I want to explore and weigh out my options when it comes to recruiting but I like Virginia Tech’s system.”
Virginia Tech, Utah, North Carolina and Purdue are all showing interest in Richardson. He currently holds offers from FIU, FAU and Toledo. He is visiting Orlando this weekend to attend UCF’s spring practice.
Richardson is also preparing for an event April 27th to be held in Miami Gardens to further reduce gun violence.
“This movement is all about saving one life because if we can save one maybe that one can save another.”
Don’t Take My Life Let Me Live Website donttakemylife.com
Click Here for Daniel Richardson Game Tape
