In my advocacy trainings, I always emphasize the power of authenticity and personal conviction. This week, I felt compelled to take action to express the profound grief I experienced upon learning about the mass graves being dug in Pakistan in anticipation of climate change-induced heat waves. Despite being accustomed to heartbreaking stories about climate change, the realization that we are witnessing the era of anticipatory mass graves struck me to my core.
When I saw images of the trench dug for the mass grave in Pakistan, it struck me how similar it looked to the trench being excavated by Spectra in the West Roxbury neighborhood of Boston for a new high-pressure fracked gas pipeline. This resemblance prompted me to connect the dots between these two trenches and to climb into the one in Boston to reflect on this harrowing reality of anticipatory mass graves.
The day began with approximately 200 people gathering, praying, and singing before marching to the Spectra worksite for the West Roxbury lateral pipeline. The group, led by Resist the Pipeline, has been actively opposing this pipeline through direct action for nearly a year, resulting in over 140 arrests. Despite previous campaigns allowing activists to temporarily halt work, this time the Boston police prevented access to the site, prompting a shift in tactics.
Unable to breach the police barricade, we held a religious service in the street to honor the victims of the mass grave in Pakistan and all those who may follow. The ceremony was marked by profound grief and a struggle to come to terms with the traumatic realities of our world. I emphasized the importance of combining this grief with resistance and holding both simultaneously.
Following the ceremony, we regrouped off-site to reassess our approach. Despite the logistical setback, we remained committed to the principles of nonviolence and love that have guided our campaign. Drawing on our strong community bonds and training in nonviolent civil disobedience, we quickly adapted our strategy and mobilized for a rapid return to the site.
A few hours later, we returned with determination and caught the police off guard. With the worksite unguarded, I seized the opportunity and, along with eleven others, entered the trench. As construction halted and workers gathered above us, I was reminded of the solemn purpose of our action – to recognize this trench as a mass grave. The initial rush of adrenaline gave way to deep reflection on the multitude of deaths imposed by our actions on Earth.
As the police cleared supporters from the area, the construction workers above us jeered and laughed, threatening to pour concrete over our bodies. Yet, amidst the tension, I found a moment of gratitude for their presence, hoping that their dark humor might bring some levity to the solemnity of the occasion.
Ultimately, twelve of us remained in the trench and were arrested. Despite the police’s attempts to remove us, we remained steadfast, unwilling to compromise our principles. Some chose to walk out voluntarily, while others, including myself, were carried out by the fire department. Charged with disturbing the peace, resisting arrest, and trespassing, we were released later that evening.
In court the next day, we faced a plea bargain offer, but six of us, myself included, refused to accept it. We are prepared to take our case to trial, standing firm in our commitment to resist the West Roxbury pipeline and uphold our principles of justice and environmental stewardship.