Press release from The Canary Coalition:
The clouds did not actually part at Pack Square, in Asheville, NC, for those fasting and praying to focus attention on the climate crisis, on Tuesday. But, neither did the heavy rain that was forecast materialize.
The wind did blow, knocking over the beach umbrella erected for protection from the rain and sending signs flying. But, we persisted and persevered through the second day, handing out flyers, talking to passing pedestrians and gaining attention. Horns honked in approval as the cars drove by on Biltmore Avenue, perhaps enhanced by the coverage on the 6 o’clock news on WLOS-TV the night before. Noticeably many more people became engaged in the prayers and with our group. At noon, fifteen people participated in the shared reading of a Native American prayer.
From 7:30-8:00 a.m., some of the climate activists passed out flyers to Buncombe County employees as they entered the office building at the College Street entrance. Police confronted the group and ordered them to move across the street. But, when asked for the ordinance that prohibited this activity, the police could not produce it and the group remained until 8 a.m. before heading up to Pack Square.
Tomorrow rain is forecast once again. We will be at the Vance Monument fasting, determined, strong in our conviction that we have an obligation to our children and grandchildren to address the climate crisis and abandon business-as-usual.
For more information, contact Avram Friedman at 828-631-3447 or avram.friedman18@gmail.com.
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