Voices of Parkland

Portraits by Jeff Vespa

On February 14, 2018 fourteen students and three faculty members were murdered at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. This was one of the deadliest school shootings in United States history. Immediately after the shooting Emma Gonzalez, David Hogg, Aalayah Eastmond and other students spoke out against the shooting and began campaigning to end gun violence.  Inspired by these students, Jeff Vespa traveled to Florida to photograph and interview the students, their teachers and the parents of the victims. Vespa captured over 50 portraits and video testimonials, which were featured in People Magazine, BuzzFeed News and The Hollywood Reporter. SEFA will be exhibiting Vespa’s portraits along with video testimonials of firsthand accounts from the tragic day. In an effort to help stop gun violence we must keep telling these stories in as many ways as possible.

Panel Discussion: June 6, 2019, 6 - 8 pm

The panel discussion will by moderated by Brian Lemek, Vice President of Development at Brady, and include Jeff Vespa, student survivor Kai Koerber and Manny Oliver, father of Parkland victim Joaquin Oliver and an artist-activist. Proceeds from this exhibition will benefit Brady United Against Gun Violence. Tickets are $50 per person/ $25 per student and are limited. They can be purchased through Eventbrite here. If you cannot attend the panel discussion, please consider donating to Brady United here.

Proceeds from this exhibition will benefit Brady United Against Gun Violence. 

Installation views: Photo credit Jenna Burke, BFA