Manuel Oliver

Manuel Oliver, whose 17-year-old son Joaquin "Guac" Oliver was among the 14 students and three staff members killed in a mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, has transformed his intense grief into a relentless pursuit for change. Originally from Venezuela, Oliver has channeled his efforts into a distinct brand of proactive activism aimed at combating gun violence.

In his role as co-founder of the non-profit advocacy group Change the Ref, Oliver tirelessly works to replace politicians who accept NRA funding with those who prioritize gun safety measures. His efforts in this arena extend beyond domestic politics, as he also serves as the Head of Global Outreach and Artistic Adviser at Global Action on Gun Violence. This has led to opportunities to discuss gun violence solutions at international events, most notably with President Biden.

Oliver, trained as an artist, has harnessed his creative skills to keep the memory of his son and other victims of U.S. gun violence alive. He has used his talent to produce a haunting one-man show dedicated to his son, titled "Guac." Additionally, he has created a total of 55 murals, sculptures, 3D-printed likenesses, and paintings of Guac both domestically and overseas. These pieces not only commemorate Guac's life and the lives of others lost to gun violence but also spark vital conversations about gun control regulations.