The country singer offered his support to students marching for gun control on Saturday.
Garth Brooks got emotional while performing a song for students taking part in March for Our Lives during his Inside Studio G weekly Facebook Live show on Monday.
The country legend was shown a letter by Parkland, Florida, student Emma Gonzalez during the session for fans. Gonzalez is a student advocate and activist for gun control, who survived the fatal shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in February.
After pointing out a line written by Gonzalez that read, “I believe the young people of the world can change the world. And wouldn’t that be something,” Brooks offered words of encouragement.
“OK, Miss Emma. It's not yours to change -- it's yours,” he said. “You understand that? You're the future. Our children are the future and your parents are fine with this, trust me. This is your world. Take it, shape it, mold it.”
Brooks, 56, then offered advice to Gonzalez and other students ahead of the March 24 protest.
“Remember when you march, you have a voice and you’re representing yourself” Brooks said. “How you march is so important. Be patient, be loving because there might be some cross voices that enter in this march. Be tolerant, be loving, do not let hate win.”
“You’re walking for your children you haven’t had yet,” he added. “Your generation is the generation for the school shootings -- let’s make sure the next generation is not.”
Brooks then sang an unrecorded song he penned with Tony Arata, writer of The Dance, explaining its significance, then wiping away tears after the performance.
"It’s got a wonderful line that says, ‘To matter then, it must matter now,’” he shared. “That’s what you’re onto, Miss Emma. You understand that.”
See more on the Parkland shooting below.
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