National Walk Out Day

Group of diverse individuals walking together with purpose, wearing comfortable shoes, exploring different scenes and environments.. — National walk out day illustration

Welcome to WhatNationalDayIsIt.com, where we dive deep into the fascinating world of national days! Today, let's talk about National Walk Out Day, a day that encourages people to take a step (or many steps) towards making a difference. Lace up your shoes and join the movement!

When is Walk Out Day?

It's national walk out day on the 20th April.

The Internet History of National Walk Out Day:

On this momentous day, we witnessed a total of 332 mentions online, with the highest number of mentions recorded on April 20, 2018. National Walk Out Day gained popularity as a powerful form of social activism, allowing individuals to express their concerns and call for change.

Initially, this day gained attention as a response to pressing issues, such as gun violence or political injustice. It served as a way for students, employees, and communities to peacefully protest and demand action.

But here's a twist! National Walk Out Day also has its roots in the online world. Social media platforms played a vital role in spreading awareness and organizing events. Hashtags like #WalkOut and #TakeAction trended across various platforms, making it easier for people to join the movement and stay informed.

Fun Fact:

Did you know that during the first National Walk Out Day, someone accidentally organized a walk-out for a circus troupe? It turns out, they didn't want to walk out of the circus, but to walk around and show off their amazing acrobatic skills. Talk about a walk out gone wild!

History behind the term 'Walk Out'

1968

First recorded usage

The term 'walk out' was first recorded in 1968. It originally referred to a form of protest where students would leave their classrooms or schools en masse to demonstrate against a specific issue or to demand change.

1935

Emergence in Labor Movements

The term 'walk out' originated in the year 1935 as a phrase commonly used in labor movements. It referred to a collective action taken by workers wherein they would leave their workplace as a form of protest or strike. This action was often employed to demand better working conditions, fair wages, or improved treatment from their employers.

1970

Vietnam War protests

In the early 1970s, the term 'walk out' gained popularity during the Vietnam War protests. Students organized walkouts to express their opposition to the war and to call for peace. These demonstrations were often accompanied by passionate speeches, signs, and chants.

1965

Civil Rights Movement

During the mid-1960s, the term 'walk out' gained significant popularity and entered the civil rights lexicon. Activists began organizing and participating in 'walk outs' as a nonviolent form of protest against racial discrimination. It became a powerful tool for marginalized communities to demonstrate their unity and demand equal rights and social justice.

1986

Farmworkers' protest

One of the most notable instances of a 'walk out' took place in 1986 when thousands of farmworkers, primarily of Latino origin, participated in a nationwide walkout called the 'Great Grape Strike'. Led by Cesar Chavez and the United Farm Workers union, the walkout aimed to bring attention to the poor working conditions and low wages that farmworkers endured.

1981

Student Protests

In the year 1981, 'walk outs' experienced a resurgence, particularly among student groups. Students used this form of protest as a way to voice their concerns on various issues such as tuition hikes, budget cuts in education, and political policies affecting their future. These student-led 'walk outs' often involved large-scale demonstrations and were instrumental in generating media attention and public awareness.

1990

Environmental Activism

During the 1990s, the term 'walk out' extended beyond labor disputes and civil rights struggles to include environmental activism. Concerned individuals and organizations organized 'walk outs' to raise awareness about pressing environmental issues such as deforestation, pollution, and climate change. These actions aimed to emphasize the importance of protecting the planet and stimulate policy change.

2018

Gun control activism

In recent years, the term 'walk out' has been associated with student-led activism in the United States demanding stricter gun control laws following tragic school shootings. In 2018, the 'National School Walkout' was organized in response to the Parkland school shooting, where thousands of students across the country walked out of their classrooms to advocate for gun reform.

2020

Global climate strikes

The concept of 'walk out' extends beyond specific issues or countries. In 2020, the term gained prominence during the global climate strikes led by young activists like Greta Thunberg. These strikes saw millions of people worldwide walking out of their schools, workplaces, and communities to demand action against climate change.

Present

Broader Cultural Usage

In the present day, the term 'walk out' has become ingrained in the cultural vernacular beyond its activist roots. It is now used more broadly to describe any instance where individuals purposefully leave a situation or event, expressing dissent, dissatisfaction, or disagreement. Whether in the realm of politics, entertainment, or personal relationships, 'walk outs' continue to serve as a symbolic expression of protest and a means to bring attention to important causes.

Did you know?

During the first National Walk Out Day, a circus troupe accidentally joined the movement, not to protest, but to showcase their incredible acrobatic skills!