What to Know
- Students worldwide, including in the tri-state area, took to the streets Friday to demand action on climate change
- Protesters took place in Morristown, New Jersey and NYC, among other places; Arrests were made in Central Park West for blocking traffic
- The wave of protests was sparked online and started overseas
Students worldwide, including in the tri-state area, took to the streets Friday to demand action on climate change.
In New Jersey, nearly 200 students gathered in front of Morristown City Hall. Meanwhile at Montclair High School hundreds more walked out of class.
Students from a charter school in Morris Township that emphasizes sustainability didn't have to skip school since the school brought them to the strike.
“Rather than skipping school and being penalized, we all came together to support it,” Stevie Robinson, from Unity Charter School, said.
“After this we are going to take it back to school and make sure that we can make a change in the world,” Jada Nugent, also of Unity Charter School, said.
Meanwhile, in New York City, protesters were also vocal, as a protest in Manhattan was marred by arrests near Central Park.
Local
At least half a dozen arrests were made in Central Park West and 81st Street after a group of protesters blocked traffic.
Eventually, the group of protestors stopped at the steps of the American Museum of Natural History on the Upper West Side.
“I’m so glad the young people are bringing attention to it and using their voices loud and proud,” Jane Feldman said.
Protesters also converged around Columbus Circle.
Students at Bronx Science also walked out Friday morning holding signs and urging the government to do more to reduce carbon emissions.
“I believe that whatever it takes to push for change and action needs to be taken and if that means skipping school every Friday then be it,” Bronx Science student Azalea Danes said.
Danes joined others outside New York City Hall during a demonstration similar to those in more than 100 countries.
An entire fifth grade class from an arts and letters school also took part along with their teachers.
“I feel people are really selfish when they say climate change isn’t a thing because they are going to be dead when it affects us,” fifth grader Trixie Midel said.
The protest also brought out a mom and her 5-year-old kindergartner.
“I’m a climate activist, my husband in an activist, this is his future,” parent Shonah Trescott said.
Some students even took their message to the United Nations, lying outside on the ground.
The wave of protests was sparked online. They started overseas and spread throughout social media. The organizer, teenager Greta Thunberg of Sweden, was nominated this week for the Nobel Peace Prize.
