Roblox Guacathon 2022 honours Parkland shooting victim

pcgamesn.com:

Though Roblox fan Joaquin “Guac” Oliver passed away in 2018, he continues to be an inspiration in the fight for gun control reform in America. A victim of the Parkland High School mass shooting, which claimed the lives of 17 people and injured 17 others, his loved ones are now set to honor his legacy by partying with a purpose in the metaverse. “Guacathon,” launching August 4 on Roblox, celebrates the young man’s 22nd birthday and features musical performances by rapper Denzel Curry, interactive art from legendary street artist Shepard Fairey, and more.

Joaquin’s family and friends celebrated the first Guacathon in 2020, and the event has since become an annual tradition. Now, to raise awareness about school shootings and inspire more people to engage in gun control activism, they’re bringing the party to Roblox to share their loved one’s legacy with the world. At his family’s request, Joaquin’s avatar is set to appear at the event as part of the festivities.

“We’re not having a moment of silence. We’re having a party,” Joaquin’s mother, Patricia Oliver, said via press release. “I’m grateful for the metaverse, for having a place where my son can help people connect and share his life. I want his peers to enjoy a party in his honor and make friends with his metaverse self.”

Patricia, along with Joaquin’s father, Manuel Oliver, are vocal proponents of youth creative activism and common sense gun legislation. As part of their efforts to raise awareness, they founded Change the Ref, an organization dedicated to educating others about the realities of mass shootings. Using art, mobilization, and leadership as tools, the organization seeks to reduce the National Rifle Association’s (NRA) influence on US gun control efforts.

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