Editor’s note: This is the third in a series of conversations between youth in our community and members of Elders Fierce for Justice. Steve Norris is a retired professor at Warren Wilson College. He has been an activist since the civil rights movement in the 1960s. He now focuses his activism on climate and energy issues. At Warren Wilson he met Sydney Grange when she was a freshman while he was supervising the Environmental Justice Crew.Sydney is from Burlingame, California, and is majoring in conservation biology and environmental policy.
Steve: When we met a couple of years ago, you were obviously passionate aboutsocial justice and climate change. What in your upbringing brought you to this place?
Sydney: The best memories from my childhood took place in nature. From exploring the redwoods, to collecting and observing roly-polys, to swimming in the Pacific Ocean — I have always been fascinated by nature. This connection I feel toward the natural world, combined with the loving nature of my parents, is where my passion for environmental and social justice became grounded. All life deserves respect and freedom from suffering. When something is working against this, it needs to be addressed.
Steve:In May you traveled to Washington to protest against the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). Why, and what was it like being there?
Sydney: FERC is a powerful regulatory agency. Right now FERC is using its power to rubber-stamp fracked gas industry permits. Not only are the actions of FERC accelerating climate change, but FERC’s actions are hurting the health of communities, who are ignored in the permit review process. Prior to going to D.C. to protest, I learned of FERC’s irresponsible permitting and knew it needed to be challenged. Being around 100 other activists was an empowering experience. I am hopeful that with enough pressure we will be able to push FERC toward renewable energy and toward an approval process that considers communities and their environments.
Steve:Even though you knew you would be arrested, you joined five older people and illegally blocked an entrance to FERC. Why did you do this?
Sydney: I was inspired by those around me. Despite some of the protesters facing even more serious consequences than I did, they still stood confidently for what was right. I knew that I wanted to stand alongside them — for our planet and for the people on it. Arrests like ours create dialogue among those we know. I have found that simply having conversations about the experience helps to make people more aware of FERC and their injustices. It also helps people to find the courage to take action on any issue area they may feel passionate about.
Steve:What was it like being arrested, and being in a D.C. jail overnight? What did you see, feel and learn?
Sydney: Being in a D.C. jail for 30 hours was an intense experience, I learned more about our criminal “justice” system and gained perspective toward how unjust it is. Even for just 30 hours, to be locked in tight steel cells with no windows, with no sense of time, no privacy and no communication to the outside world, was psychologically draining and distressing. All of your rights as a human being fade away the moment you are arrested. There is a general procedure that is followed and everyone is subjected to it. Not only is the concept of locking people up and taking everything important away from them an inherently unethical concept, but it is also implemented in a very unjust way too. Besides me and one other activist, all of the other women I was in jail with were of color. Being in this “justice” system was one of very few times I have truly felt like a minority. Most of the incarcerated women I was with had been victims of domestic violence and had been placed in jail for defending themselves against this violence. This system makes people who are in trouble not want to seek help for the fear of being incarcerated or for the fear of being harmed. There is no safety for these women: police are their enemies.
Steve:How has this experience influenced your perspective on environmental and social justice, and on climate change?
Sydney: I have a lot of privilege as a white person in the environmental movement. The fact that I chose to get arrested is a privilege I have because of the color of my skin. Privilege can be used to the advantage of environmental and social movements, but if it is, it must be done with consideration for the communities and people who are most impacted by climate change.
Steve:What does the future look like to you as a 19-year-old?
Sydney: Although the environmental challenges we face today are daunting, I feel hopeful. Change is going to happen whether we choose to direct it or not. I feel it is our duty as human beings to do what we can to create a better world for all species. I find hope and courage by working with other people who devote their lives to environmental and social justice, and by spending time in nature, with people I care about, and with animals.