For Immediate Release, October 29, 2019
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Contact: |
Randy Serraglio, Center for Biological Diversity (520) 784-1504, rserraglio@biologicaldiversity.org |
Theme for 2019 All Souls Procession: Wildlife Endangered by Border Wall
TUCSON, Ariz.— Jaguars, owls, fish, bats and other endangered species threatened by the border wall in Arizona will be the official theme of the ushers and ambassadors of this year’s 30th annual All Souls Procession on Sunday, Nov. 3.
Organizers of the procession typically choose the year’s theme. The overall theme in 2019 is “In the Realm of the Unseen.” Ambassadors and ushers often adopt a sub-theme annually that focuses on local or social issues. Trump’s border wall, which is already under construction in places like Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, threatens 93 endangered and threatened species in the Southwest, including jaguars, ocelots, Mexican gray wolves and cactus ferruginous pygmy owls, according to the Tucson-based Center for Biological Diversity. Many of these species go “unseen” by the general public but are crucial parts of the Sonoran Desert ecosystem.
“This is a really important moment to honor these species and highlight the destructive threat the border wall poses to wildlife and human communities here in Arizona,” said Randy Serraglio, Southwest conservation advocate at the Center.
“The All Souls Procession has always been about what makes our local community unique and important. So many of us have a deep connection with southwestern wildlife. It’s going to be amazing to see so many represented in this year’s event,” said Eva Peña, director of the Urn Ambassadors of the All Souls Procession.
What: 30th annual All Souls Procession
When: Sunday, Nov. 3, gathering at 5:15 p.m., procession begins at 6 p.m.
Where: Starts at Grande Avenue south of Speedway and ends at the lot between Mercado San Agustín and the Santa Cruz River; see map here.
Media availability: Organizers and supporters are available this week to discuss this year’s theme. Arrangements can also be made to attend preparations for the event in the coming days.
Available b-roll: Media-ready footage is available of some of the species threatened by the border wall, including jaguars, ocelots, Sonoyta mud turtles and Quitobaquito pupfish.
The Center for Biological Diversity is a national, nonprofit conservation organization with more than 1.6 million members and online activists dedicated to the protection of endangered species and wild places.
