Ocean Day 2018 Was a Resounding Success With Over 70 Participants
Last week over 70 Latinx activists descended upon the state Capitol to advocate for environmental policies that would protect marine life, expand coastal access, lessen the impact of plastic pollution, and to stop President Trump’s proposed offshore oil drilling expansion. This was the 13th annual Ocean Day in Sacramento, and it was especially poignant because of the substantial Latinx representation, #LatinosMarinos.
Ocean Day 2018 was exceptionally important given President Trump’s plan to sell oil and natural gas development rights in every ocean that touches the United States, opening 90 percent of the country’s offshore acres to oil exploration and drilling. California has been facing an attack on its iconic coastline for the sake of old technology that accelerates the effects of climate change.
Azul’s Founder and Director, Marce Gutiérrez-Graudiņš, was especially pleased with the large turnout of activists from partner organizations. Mujeres de la Tierra, Central Coast Alliance United for a Sustainable Economy Oxnard (CAUSE Oxnard), and the Ocean Protectors (Coalition of Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples) joined Azul to meet with policymakers and staffers about their demands for environmental justice and a clean and sustainable environment.
“When I started working in ocean conservation a decade ago, I was often the only person of color in the room or just one of a few people of color present during advocacy days in the Capitol. I’m so pleased that I’m no longer just one of a few. I get the bring the power of many and the strength of our communities to discuss our concerns and the policies that we would like to see enacted,” Marce said.
More than half of the activists in attendance last week were youth. Some of the young people had been on a bus for most of the night before Ocean Day commenced, but despite their trip, they were energetic in sending their message to elected officials about their desire for sustainable, environmentally friendly policies.
One of the highlights of the day was meeting with Senate President Pro Tem Kevin de León (D – Los Angeles) on the California State Senate Chamber floor because the group was too large to meet in his office conference room. De León gave the young people advice about how to present their thoughts and requests to their representatives, and he even put on a #LatinosMarinos pin that was given to him by the group.
Azul hopes to build upon the momentum of last week by continuing to expand its network throughout the state and involving more Latinxs in ocean conservation events and campaigns.