Earth Day Rally and March Brings Activists to Royal Oak
(Crystal A. Proxmire, May 1, 2025)
Royal Oak, MI – Under the awning of the Royal Oak Farmers Market on a chilly Earth Day, Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist told the crowd of people holding signs that “We are blessed with so many God-given natural resources here in Michigan, but with all of that blessing comes with responsibility.”
There were a number of environmental concerns raised by attendees and speakers. There were calls for protecting the Great Lakes. Signs demanding clean soil. Speakers and drummers honoring Natives. People promoting public transportation and electric vehicles. Chanting in support of climate change science. Praising clean air legislation. Demanding food safety. And those wanting funding for the Environmental Protecting Agency.
Travis Skyler of the Native American Indian Association of Detroit was among the speakers. He urged people to move forward peacefully and collectively. “Accountability doesn’t have to come through anger, it can come through persistence. It can come through showing up.”
In spite of the challenges, and seemingly backwards steps, Water Resource Commissioner Jim Nash is hopeful for the next generation. “Young people get it. They know all these things we have to do. They’re smart. And they’re going to be working on this all their lives,” he said.
The rally was organized by Turn Oakland County Green, in partnership with The Royal Oak Environmental Advisory Board, Clean Water Action, Sierra Club, League of Conservation Voters, SMART, and EDF Action.
Learn more at https://www.turnoaklandcountygreen.com/
