BOSTON — Anti-gun violence advocates plan to take over Boston City Hall Plaza for a Back to School Fashion Show, Monday. But when activists put on a fashion show, it's not just going to be your regular back packs and knee socks. Expect to see fake bullet proof vests and helmets.

"This will be a one of a kind runway event of provocative wear designed to fight hypocritical lawmakers!" organizers posted to Facebook. Manuel and Patricia Oliver, founders of the activist group Change the Ref, plan to transform City Hall Plaza into a fashion show with a catwalk, DJ and some provocative fashion statements all in front of a banner with the image of their son Joaquin — one of the 17 killed in the Parkland, Florida school shooting earlier this year.

"This is a unique event and we're looking forward to collaborating with Boston youth to deliver a provocative message Monday. We hope activists from across the city will join us in memory of our son Joaquin to demand a change, Manuel Oliver, founder of Change the Ref said in a emailed statement to Patch. Change the Ref is part of a larger movement that sprung up after that shooting on Valentine's Day.



The students of that high school took to the road asking for change at government level and grieving through protest, including in Boston where they helped organize marches and meetings with legislators. >>Parkland Students Visit Cambridge To Talk About #NeverAgain

The Olivers moved to Parkland from Venezuela looking for a place the family would be safe from the violence they left. When they found Marjory Stoneman Douglas, in Florida they thought they'd found that and a safe school for their son.

And then Joaquin was among those killed.

"In order to carry on, they had to channel their energy somewhere. So they established this organization," said Alec Loftus of Change the Ref. in a phone interview.