Highline professor Helen Burns and her bandmate Pavel Shepp hosted Highline College’s climate “Just Us” open mic, as part of the college’s wider Climate Justice Week. 

Climate Justice Week, held from Oct. 30 to Nov. 3, was a chance for the college to focus on climate initiatives and issues by offering a wide array of lectures and activities. 

A few of the lectures featured during the week were: “A strategy for climate change adaptation” by Dr. Phillip Thompson, Director of the Seattle University Center for Environmental Justice and Sustainability to “The chemistry of cake” hosted by Biology Professor Katie Baker.

There were also seminars such as “Science of extreme weather events – and who is affected by them” by Highline Geology Instructor Dr. Jacob Selander and activities like “Examine the world with microscopes” which allowed students a microscopic view of the pond to view the diversity of life in our campus waters.

The climate “Just Us” open mic was a way to illuminate justice issues in music, word, and poetry. “This informal gathering [was] an opportunity for our campus community to unite through the power of music, spoken word, and poetry,” as described in its marketing. 

The one time event, which was held in the Building 8 auditorium on Nov. 2, offered the opportunity for those interested to express themselves onstage in anything from poetry and music. 

Though a small turnout, the enthusiasm within the room could be felt throughout. Between 3 – 5 p.m., multiple students and faculty members did live performances including a poetry reading, a musical ensemble, and vocal solo. 

When asked about what inspired Helen Burn to host the event she had this to say: “I’ve always felt that Highline has a lot of talent. We are a creative community and I’ve always wanted to provide an opportunity for people to come out and play.” 

Burn, who has been at Highline for 30 years, went on to express her desire to allow people to express themselves. “It’s a rough time right now so just trying to get people a chance to show their stuff, say what they want to say, play what they want to play, artistic expression on campus,” said Burn.

“It was kind of a one time deal,” said Burn. “You know if the college is willing to do this more often, maybe it becomes something that a student or maybe we get the Center for Leadership Services, someone else might want to be the host, but I have always felt like Highline college should have an open mic.” Though it was a one time only event there was a strong desire for more events like this to be held.