By Ann Nye —
The Student Environmental Advocacy (SEA), a student led non-profit dedicated to holding informational, collaborative, and grassroots events to mobilize youth in climate action, collaborated with Narbonne High School Eco-Club, West Torrance High School Environ Club, and Narbonne High School UNICEF, to organize this South Bay Youth Climate March in Wilmington. The aim was to support and uplift the voices of the Wilmington community members and residents of all underrepresented areas, in their demands for a safe and healthy environment.
In their informational card, they said the issues they were highlighting are:
- Wilmington has a total of five refineries, the largest concentration in CA
- Wilmington residents are at higher risk for asthma, cancer, and other health impacts
- Nationally, people of color are exposed to greater than average emissions from all sources
Student speakers shared their unique experiences to a crowd of about 40 activists near the Beacon Light Mission and they were joined by Congresswoman Nanette Barragán speaking in support of their effort. PV Dems President Connie Sullivan, Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District (PVPUSD) Board Member Sara Deen, Torrance Refinery Action Alliance (TRAA) President Steve Goldsmith, and members of the League of Women Voters Peninsula were also in attendance.
It was a beautiful day (not too hot) to march. We then walked a mile and a half to the Phillips Refinery on Aviation Blvd shouting chants along the way. At the refinery, more students spoke as well as supporting non-profits, Coalition for a Safe Environment, and Stand LA (Stand Together Against Neighborhood Drilling). Everyone felt invigorated by the effort to get the climate message heard.
The students goals for involvement are:
- Support sustainable policies to keep oil refineries away from schools, residencies, and public facilities
- Work with representatives
- Register or per-register to vote
- Support local nonprofits, including Communities for a Better Environment, STAND-LA, and PSR-LA (Physicians for Social Responsibility)
We look forward to supporting more of SEA’s efforts.
Leave a Reply