REVIEW: The Climate Rally at the National Mall, DC

Nearly 20,000 people came out to National Mall to help raise awareness for Mother Earth. This was the first time in about four years that Earth Day wasn’t a washout. Various speakers from all walks of life were there; Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr., Trudie Styler (Sting’s Wife), Football player/Reality show personality Dhani Jones, Director James Cameron and the Cast of Avatar—C.C.H. Pounder, Laz Alonzo & Giovanni Ribisi, as well as various scientists, activists and political figures. They all spoke of ways to give back to the Earth; washing clothes in cold water, driving 10 miles less each week, starting a garden –all just a few easy cost effective ways to help save the Earth.

The musical performances this year were a who’s who of the entertainment world, Bob Weir of the Grateful Dead, Willie Colon, Passion Pit and Jimmy Cliff who was accompanied by soul crooner John Legend. But it was the mighty Legendary Roots crew from Philadelphia PA, who set the precedence for the remainder of the day. The Roots performed a medley of their hits; Break You Off, The Seed and the latest single “How I Got Over” from their forthcoming album. Mavis Staples of the Staple Singers performed “I’ll Take You There”, followed by a Patrick Stump of Fall Out Boy performing the timeless Bobby Womack classic, “If You Think You’re Lonely Now”, which surprised me because I didn’t know that Patrick could belt out a tune like that. Joss Stone, Robert Randolph, Booker T (Booker T & the MG’s) and Bob Weir were also part of the Roots and Friends segment of the show. John Legend returned to the stage, to debut his new single “Wake Up” with the Roots from his fall forthcoming album.

After a wonderful performance by Legend, Sting was next up to bat—and boy did he knock it out of the park! He looked great and his voice was awesome, “Message in a Bottle” was a fitting song for the event, the way he sang the song made the song seem more about the Earth than what it was originally was. Mind you they were all backed by the legendary hard working band, the Roots. It was the perfect way to spend a Sunday afternoon.

While the musical acts were a great part of the day, let us not lose focus of what this day was really about. There are many ways in which we can help! Please learn more information about Climate Control and other ways you can help stop the destruction of this planet at www.earthday.org.