Mercer Times

Six years ago, X González was a high school senior and survivor of the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, which claimed 17 lives. Known as Emma at the time, they became a prominent figure in the fight for gun control. González was recognized for their "iconic shaved head" and efforts to hold legislators accountable, claiming they were "in the pockets of the gun lobby and the NRA."

Now 24 years old and a college graduate, González continues to be an outspoken social justice activist. On March 20, they appeared at TCNJ’s Mayo Concert Hall with a distinctive hairstyle—a long pink mane amid a shaved head. In conversation with Leigh-Anne Francis, professor of African American studies and women’s, gender, and sexuality studies, González discussed their experiences and insights gained since surviving one of America's deadliest school shootings.

González's activism includes co-founding March for Our Lives shortly after the shooting alongside fellow survivor David Hogg. The organization has contributed to passing over 300 gun safety laws across various states and towns nationwide.