Melika Morshed and Rae Bear, both seniors at San Marino High School, held a “shoe strike” at City Hall to bring awareness to climate change. More than 100 community members brought shoe and posters that were displayed along Huntington Drive.
Bringing attention to a global matter on the local level, two San Marino High School seniors held a “shoe strike” for climate justice last Friday afternoon. More than 100 community members left a pair of shoes at City Hall as a representation of those who would have demonstrated in person if not forbidden to do so because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Organized by Rae Bear and Melika Morshed, the event was held in conjunction with FridaysForFuture, an organization launched by teenage activist Greta Thunberg.
“With the fires that have recently been burning so close by, we wanted to help raise awareness for climate change and put pressure on local officials by showing that people are serious about climate justice,” said Bear.
Participants were encouraged to bring a pair of shoes or a poster — or both — on Friday, Sept. 25, from 11:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. The shoes and posters were placed throughout the fountain courtyard and sidewalk on Huntington Drive.
The shoes were collected and will be used at future shoe strikes until they are eventually donated.
These person-free demonstrations are popular in many town squares across Europe as a way to express concern over global warming and to urge elected officials to put climate change at the forefront of every decision they make.
