#United States #Newark #Black Climate Week #NAACP #Solutions Project

Celebrating Black Climate Leadership

The sixth annual Black Climate Week (BCW) has officially commenced, organized by an alliance of advocates, including The Solutions Project, NAACP, community groups, and universities across the nation. From February 21 to 28, BCW aims to spotlight Black leadership in the fight against climate change, encompassing critical topics like community solar initiatives, resilience hubs, and green housing initiatives that address the pressing climate issues faced by Black communities.

A Call for Action

In an inspiring message, Gloria Walton, president and CEO of The Solutions Project, stated, "As Black Climate Week demonstrates, no matter the political landscape, Black communities remain undeterred from leading on intersectional solutions on climate, race, and gender." This sentiment is particularly pertinent in light of the federal government's lack of urgency regarding climate change, leaving frontline communities to bear the brunt of its effects, including food inequality and severe flooding.

Walton emphasized the significance of thriving, rather than merely surviving, in the pursuit of equity. By focusing on solutions such as affordable housing, community-owned solar panels, and healthier neighborhoods, BCW aims to encapsulate a vision of climate resilience that includes good job opportunities for marginalized communities.

Noteworthy Initiatives Across the Country

This year’s Black Climate Week campaign emphasizes the remarkable contributions and solutions emerging from Black communities, which are historically under-discussed in climate dialogues. Some of the notable initiatives include:

• - Freedom Land in South Carolina: In Britton's Neck, the New Alpha Community Development Corporation has teamed up with the Dogwood Alliance to secure a sprawling 305 acres for forest conservation and eco-recreational purposes, paying homage to the heritage of the residents descended from enslaved individuals on the land.

• - Campaign Against Data Centers in Alabama: The Greater-Birmingham Alliance to Stop Pollution (G.A.S.P.) is actively working towards a moratorium on a data center projected to extract significant water and energy resources, shedding light on G.A.S.P.'s efforts captured in an upcoming video highlighting Black Climate Week.

• - Legal Advancements in Louisiana: RISE St. James has achieved a significant milestone in its pursuit of justice, successfully moving forward with a court case halting the development of toxic industrial plants in predominantly Black neighborhoods in St. James Parish, known for its alarming rates of cancer and health issues.

• - Young, Gifted Green in Flint: Established in response to the Flint water crisis, this organization now operates nationally, translating grassroots experiences into impactful federal climate policies, influencing decision-makers in Washington.

• - Resource Distribution by Newark Water Coalition: Since 2018, this coalition has played a vital role in providing relief to Newark residents, distributing over 150,000 pounds of food and 100,000 gallons of water to address pressing community health issues.

Bridging Community and Climate

Black Climate Week fosters a vital dialogue not just within Black communities but across all sectors that intersect with climate policy and justice. As Abre' Conner, Director of Environmental and Climate Justice at the NAACP, remarked, "Climate justice is civil rights work, and Black communities have long been at the forefront of fighting environmental harm while advancing solutions that protect our health and our futures."

Their aim is to illuminate the stories and lived experiences of those most affected by climate change and to showcase the impressive leadership that typically goes unnoticed. The NAACP's collaboration with The Solutions Project is crucial in advocating for what they reference as 'Black-led and frontline centered climate solutions grounded in equity and justice'.

As part of this initiative, local government officials are encouraged to endorse these Black-led climate solutions during Black Climate Week and beyond. The Office of Sustainability and Community Transformation in Newark has committed to this cause, engaging the community through a series of innovative events that address the intimate links between health and climate.

Conclusion

Black Climate Week, running until February 28, marks a significant moment not only to celebrate but to take action toward building a more equitable and just future for all. The Solutions Project’s ongoing commitment to funding and promoting grassroots climate organizations reflects a broader movement advocating for inclusivity in climate discussions. This week serves as a powerful reminder that change is both necessary and possible.

For more information about Black Climate Week and how to get involved, visit The Solutions Project's official website.**