Today, at the National Gallery of Art in Washington D.C., Declare Emergency supporter Geor Green painted the words “Honor Them” next to the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Regiment—the first regiment of African Americans to serve in the Civil War. He was arrested by security promptly after, saying “After asking Joe Biden to declare a climate emergency.”

   Before his action, Geor released a statement:

"I write the words ‘Honor Them’ to say two things. First, the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Regiment was the first Black regiment to be allowed to form in the North in order to serve in the Civil War. They fought and many died to end slavery. We should honor them by remembering them and what they did. And second, we should honor them by carrying on their work. So, I say, “Joe Biden must declare a climate emergency.” in their honor because the great majority of the people who are being harmed by the climate emergency now and who will be harmed in the future are people who look like the soldiers of the Massachusetts 54th.

During my time working with unhoused folks in Salt Lake City, Utah, I met displaced men and women. I saw firsthand the hardships they dealt with. There's going to be a whole lot more of these people as we go forward with the worsening wildfires and sinking economies. I've also seen a lot of folks not getting enough food. Climate breakdown means collapsing food markets so there will be even more struggle, especially in our most impoverished families, which are over-represented by Black, Indigenous, and other People of Color.

I can’t sit by and do nothing. I wrote the words ‘Honor Them’ to reach out to anyone who will listen to say, “Please come and help the Declare Emergency campaign.” Join us in our demand that Joe Biden declare a climate emergency and use his emergency powers to stop the climate crisis."

Declare Emergency's Previous Action at the National Gallery of Art   

   Geor’s non-violent action calls much needed awareness to the fact that marginalized communities are disproportionately impacted by the climate emergency. These are 'underserved communities who are least able to prepare for, and recover from, heat waves, poor air quality, flooding, and other impacts,' according to a Environmental Protection Agency report. Disparities include limited health care, fewer resources, as well as being most likely to live in places most drastically affected by climate change.

   Declare Emergency calls on everyone to join them in nonviolent civil disobedience, as they demand Joe Biden to declare a climate emergency.