With the Humanitarian Crisis in Iran now heading into its second month, one of the most vital elements of moral and political support has come from a vocal group of leaders that are forcing the world to pay attention and cause a spotlight on domestic issues. While media coverage has picked up after criticism of lack of reporting, one national news brand, in particular, has taken responsibility to produce a series of billboards that will be targeting twenty metropolitan cities with the simple yet powerful slogan of “Women. Life. Freedom.” which is now the famous chant that protests around the world have been promoting as they take a stand to encourage freedom in a country that has oppressed its citizens and even killed a young girl by the name of Mahsa Amini for not wearing her headscarf properly. According to Iran Human Rights, as of 25 October 2022 at least 234 people had been killed as a result of the government’s intervention in the protests, involving tear gas and gunfire, making the protests the deadliest since the 2019–2020 protests that resulted in more than 1,500 fatalities. The government’s response to the protests was widely condemned.
As the protests continue to grow around the world with no sign that this global phenomenon of people coming together in the name of women’s rights, human rights, and freedom for all, it is now time for corridors of power to use their influence for the right reasons. According to the BBC, During the past five weeks, thousands of Iranians have protested against the clerical establishment in over 100 cities. Still with all of this historical grassroots activity leaders in the media have been few to speak out with specific initiatives.
Moe Rock the CEO of the Los Angeles Tribune has shown public interest in the humanitarian crisis. He is currently using his platform to encourage free speech and open dialogue to address humanitarian concerns. Recently he did a public address with notable author Dr. Joe Vitale (who is one of the most read authors in the field of self-help in Iran) in which he prayed for the country during a live forum broadcasting to seventeen countries.
He is spearheading a campaign that will spread the message of the movement to twenty cities via a digital billboard campaign sponsored by his company. When asked to make a comment about the intentions of the campaign he stated “We all have a responsibility to make this world a better place.”
