Rich City Rays is a non-violent direct action organization based in Richmond, California. Home to the largest crude oil refinery on the West Coast of the United States, Richmond holds a deep history of fires, oil flares, respiratory illnesses, and limited access to local waterways. In an attempt to create opportunities for Richmond residents to have agency over their lives, Rich City Rays is taking down historical barriers to water access.

Through centering the fundamentals of kayaking alongside the structures of resistance, the Rays challenge the predominately white narratives of kayaking through mobilizing communities of color–and centering their voices in the mission. As Richmond residents are subject to lives as frontline victims to the fossil fuel industry, largely comprised of low-income people of color, the Rays seek to encourage local BIPOC youth to become leaders, decision makers, and radicals, all with the stroke of a paddle.

We are sending Rays organizers to Australia for the People's Blockade , a multiday protestival blockade of the worlds largest coal port in Muloobinba (Newcastle, Australia). We hope that by sending representation from the Rich City Rays, we can exchange learnings and strategy, and strengthen international solidarity.

Keep an eye out for how to support a solidarity paddle for the blockade right here in the Bay Area! You can follow @richcityrays on IG or fill out an interest form on our website to stay updated.

All funds will go directly to flights and travel expenses for organizers getting to Muloobinba.