News: Teen Intern Nia Gates speaks at Climate March in Washington D.C.

On April 29, Big Class teen intern Nia Gates, traveled to Washington D.C. for the 2017 People’s Climate March. Nia read an original poem, as well as letters from I Want You to Know Something About Me to an audience of 200,000, the white house and entire National Mall. Here’s her recount of the experience:

The People’s Climate March in D.C was absolutely empowering and just what was needed living in today’s political problems. Being there I found myself moved by the numerous amount of people and ethnicities that came to join and collaborate to create this movement stand for all rights and problems. To be able to remember that this country isn’t just Black and white or male or female but all shades and all genders

Performing in front of hundreds was a first for me but to be able to read in front of a crowd that understood what I wanted and what I saw through my poem “Hold Your Seats, The Tree Speaks.” To be a part of something bigger and being able to share with others who wish to make the same change in the world.

Having the opportunity to travel to D.C and share a part of my world with the rest was an absolutely amazing experience. I would say beyond all of the people marching, chanting, and slowly melting away in the 90-degree heat of that day. I would have to say my favorite part was the chance to meet the fellow artists and speakers who also stepped onto the stage either before or after me. The youth, the elderly and almost every movement who has been in the spotlight over the last few years was all here and I am 18-year-old girl from New Orleans was able to travel hundreds of miles to march and perform with people who see a future of liberation just like myself.