Several OSFR members participated in this huge gathering Sat. April 29 in Gainesville. All photos are by OSFR advisor John Moran.
Gainesville
Despite heat stroke potential in the air, over 300 people participated in solidarity efforts to raise attention to the National Climate Movement. A diversified group of citizens representing health, labor, bi-partisan politics, environment and community came together for the first time to build relationships that will have a lasting purpose of alliance. They marched through searing temperatures shouting chants for justice, peace and healing in a troubled world. Shana Smith, local community builder, emceed the event with facts about our global climate crisis and songs such as “This Land is Your Land” and her own local rendition of “Paradise”. Speakers included Merrillee Malwitz-Jipson a Sierra Club Organizer, Wes Wheeler of the Gainesville Solar CoOp, Mayor Lauren Poe, Alachua County Commissioner Ken Cornell and poet E. Stanley Richardson.
Merrillee Malwitz-Jipson, Sierra Club Organizer, is also an active OSFR member. Merrillee does nothing half way, she gives it her all, and her all is a lot! She is passionate about her work.
Alachua County commissioner Ken Cornell, staunch supporter of the environment.
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| Shana Smith, community builder and chantress, emceed the event, photo by John Moran |
Comments by OSFR historian Jim Tatum.
-A river is like a life: once taken, it cannot be brought back-
Inspired once again by our environmental HEROES who will never stop until Florida waters, our environment, is PROTECTED. As always, loved John Moran’s incredible photos, appreciate Merrillee’s tenacity –THANKS, ALL!!
Heat stroke was a real possibility not with just the hike but being outside. I’m glad we took a stand, and hope everyone in Gainesville will follow along as we take steps to deal with Climate Justice. ” We Can, We Will, We Must ” resolve the issues by reducing our carbon impact and finding alternative forms of energy from fossil fuels.