Champions of Sustainability: Black Leaders in the Fight Against Climate Change
By Rev. Vernon K. Walker
Through the course of the United States’ history, Black Americans have helped to build, strengthen, and lead the country towards becoming a more just and equitable society. Historically, Black Americans have faced systemic racism that has led to disparities in areas such as education, employment, healthcare, criminal justice, job security, and food access. Conversely, Black Americans have made vital contributions in the fields of science, academia, business, and public service, among others – a testament to their resilience of Black Americans.
There is still much work left to do to create a more equitable society, and in a world facing urgent challenges from climate change, Black Americans have emerged as beacons of hope and light in the environmental movement. I think of names like Dr. Robert D. Bullard, Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson, Jacquelyn Patterson, and many others who have been movers and shakers in the environmental justice space.
The climate crisis has emerged as the greatest existential threat to our human existence, and while all communities are impacted by the climate crisis, communities of color are disproportionately impacted. Environmental racism is real, and low-income communities of color continue to be targeted as sites for oil and gas infrastructure, landfills, and hazardous waste dumps damaging the quality of air, water, and land and causing health issues that are sometimes deadly.
Climate change intensifies extreme weather events like hurricanes, floods, and heatwaves. Black communities, particularly those in low-income areas, are more vulnerable due to inadequate infrastructure, limited resources, and historical disinvestment. Additionally, Black Americans often reside in areas with limited access to healthcare and face systemic health disparities. This has led to health disparities as temperatures rise, disease patterns change, and air and water quality changes. Advocacy for climate justice often emphasizes addressing these disparities and promoting equitable solutions. But the story of Black Americans and the climate crisis is not solely a story of despair. It is important that we in the climate justice movement recognize the contributions of Black Americans to the climate justice movement, and I will recognize a few in detail.
Dr. Robert D. Bullard is known as the Father of Environmental Justice and has been a pioneer in highlighting the disproportionate impact of environmental hazards on minority communities. His groundbreaking work laid the foundation for the intersectionality of race, class, and the environment. Bullard's legacy continues to drive conversations around equity in environmental policy.
Jacquelyn Patterson, a prominent figure in the fight against environmental racism, was the Senior Director of the NAACP's (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) Environmental and Climate Justice Program, and she is now the executive director of the Chisholm Legacy Project: A Resource Hub for Black Frontline Climate Justice Leadership. By centering climate justice within the broader context of racial equity, Patterson works to address systemic issues and advocates for policies that prioritize marginalized communities.
Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson is a marine biologist and policy expert committed to addressing the intersection of climate change and social justice. As the co-founder of the Urban Ocean Lab, she advocates for inclusive solutions that prioritize marginalized communities. Johnson's work highlights the crucial link between environmental policy and racial equity.
Colette Pichon Battle is an attorney and climate justice advocate. Battle focuses on the intersection of climate change and migration. As the Executive Director of the Gulf Coast Center for Law & Policy, she addresses the challenges faced by communities forced to relocate due to environmental disasters. Pichon Battle's work underscores the need for holistic solutions that address both climate and social justice.
Benjamin Todd "Ben" Jealous served as the president of the NAACP and is now the executive director of the Sierra Club. The Sierra Club is the largest environmental organization in the United States.
Kim Gaddy is the National Environmental Justice Director at Clean Water Action. Clean Water Action started in 1972, and Kim is a colleague of mine at Clean Water Action. She has been advocating for communities impacted by industrial pollution for 18 years. Kim develops and implements Clean Water Action/Clean Water Fund's grassroots environmental justice campaigns and coalition building efforts nationally and in New Jersey.
These black climate leaders exemplify resilience, passion, and a commitment to justice. Their work not only highlights the urgency of addressing climate change but also emphasizes the imperative of inclusivity in shaping solutions. As we navigate the complex challenges of a changing climate, these leaders inspire us to forge a path forward that prioritizes justice, equity, and a sustainable future for all.
Rev. Vernon K. Walker is a graduate student and 2022 Neighborhood Fellow at Tufts University studying Public Policy with a focus on environmental policy. He is also the Climate Justice Program Director at Clean Water Action Massachusetts.
*Image by Susan Melkisethian