We came from all across the region to peacefully gather in Romare-Bearden park to physically and symbolically stand tall to protect Southern forests, public health and Southern communities. The world’s largest biomass conference, The International Biomass Conference and Expo, was gathered just down the street, scheming new ways to turn our precious wetland forests into pellets and ship them across the ocean to be burned for fuel in Europe.
Recently, I was fortunate to be asked to speak in a live panel interview at the ASTC world conference about my youth activist experiences. ASTC has been around for 40 years. Everyone I met was highly educated especially in science. I was very nervous, but it was incredible to share my experiences with others and to learn from others too. I spoke at Raleigh, NC Science museum. Everyone was so thoughtful and interested in saving our planet in one way or another. It was inspiring! I learned if you truly believe in something, speak out so others hear you and get inspired to help save our planet too.
