CHOW 2024: Goldwater Centers Afro-/Indigenous Perspectives at Thurgood Marshall College Fund's Environmental Justice Summit

Washington, D.C., June 4, 2024 – The Thurgood Marshall College Fund's Payne Center for Social Justice hosted the "Black Communities, Climates, and the Environment Summit" during Capitol Hill Ocean Week: Science, Systemic Inequalities, and Solutions," at the Great Hall of the Gallup Building. The event brought together a dynamic assembly of Black social justice leaders, policymakers, academics, and advocates.

The summit commenced at 8:00 a.m. with registration and breakfast, followed by an official welcome at 8:30 a.m. from Dr. Harry L. Williams, President and CEO of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, and Dr. N. Joyce Payne, the center's namesake and founder. Joining them in the opening remarks were Dr. Donald E. Hall, Provost and Executive Vice President of Binghamton University, State Senator Lea Webb, Chair of the New York State Women's Issues Committee, and Mr. Jim Clifton, Chairman of Gallup and member of the Payne Center Advisory Board.

Black Communities and the Environment

In his keynote address titled "Black Communities and the Environment," Lieutenant General Russel L. Honoré, a decorated 37-year Army veteran and renowned expert in leadership and disaster management, highlighted the critical role of environmental protection in national security. Drawing from his extensive military experience, including his leadership of Task Force Katrina, General Honoré emphasized the disproportionate impact of environmental degradation on Black communities. He underscored the urgent need for systemic change to combat pollution and climate change, which disproportionately affect these communities.

General Honoré shared insights from his advocacy work through the GreenARMY, a coalition he founded to fight pollution and climate change in Louisiana. He outlined his "5 Point Plan to Win the War on Pollution," which includes protecting drinking water from lead contamination, cleaning up abandoned oil wells, halting the construction of fenceline petrochemical plants, ending poisonous plastics production, and stopping toxic styrofoam production. Through personal anecdotes and data-driven examples, General Honoré called for stronger environmental policies and community-led initiatives to ensure a sustainable and equitable future for all.

Plenary: Black Americans' Perceptions of Climate and the Environment

At 9:45 a.m., Dr. Ellyn Maese, Senior Research Consultant at Gallup, delivered a plenary address titled "Black Americans' Perceptions of Climate and the Environment." Black Americans are particularly vulnerable to climate disasters, with only 35% feeling their communities are adequately prepared for natural disasters or extreme weather events. This heightened vulnerability is compounded by significant disparities in disaster preparedness and response, as Black Americans are twice as likely to report unreliable warnings about such events. Pollution remains a major concern, with Black communities more affected by toxic building materials, land and soil contamination, drinking water contamination, and air pollution. These environmental hazards are often exacerbated by the proximity of industrial pollution sources to Black neighborhoods.

The challenges of preparedness and recovery are stark, with 45% of Black adults believing they would not be able to recover or rebuild if affected by a natural disaster or extreme weather event. This translates into nearly 16 million Black adults at risk of displacement, homelessness, and detachment from society following a climate disaster. Although Black Americans express confidence in their communities, they often distrust local governments' ability to respond appropriately to climate crises. This lack of trust extends to a significant number of Black Americans considering relocation due to environmental threats, with just under half contemplating moves to escape extreme weather, natural disasters, or pollution.

The mental health impacts of these environmental challenges are profound. Those who have relocated due to extreme weather or natural disasters are 30% more likely to report high levels of stress and worry, 50% more likely to experience anxiety, and twice as likely to feel loneliness compared to those who have not relocated. Additionally, Black Americans exhibit lower levels of trust in local governments' climate responses compared to Hispanic and White adults, highlighting a substantial gap in perceived reliability and support. Dr. Maese's findings underscore the urgent need for targeted policies and community initiatives that address the specific environmental challenges faced by Black Americans, ensuring equitable access to resources and support for climate resilience and disaster preparedness.

Panel: African American Leadership for a Sustainable Future

The program continued at 10:00 a.m. with a panel discussion moderated by Dr. Jonathan C. Augustine, Chair of the Payne Center Agora Strategy Council and Senior Pastor of St. Joseph AME Church in Durham, NC. The panel, titled "African American Leadership for a Sustainable Future," featured distinguished panelists, each contributing unique insights and ongoing work to mitigate the effects of worsening climate disasters in Black communities.

Rev. Dr. Benjamin Chavis, Jr., President and CEO of the National Newspaper Publishers Association, is a long-standing advocate for environmental justice. Known for coining the term "environmental racism," Dr. Chavis continues to highlight the intersection of racial and environmental justice through his work, emphasizing the need for media to amplify the voices of those most affected by environmental degradation.

Dr. Meldon S. Hollis, Jr., Former Associate Director of the White House Initiative on HBCUs, brought a unique perspective as a Gullah/Geechee native of Charleston, South Carolina. A civil rights leader who was one of the youngest activists accompanying Dr. Martin Luther King in the 1960s, Dr. Hollis stressed the importance of culturally appropriate communications when environmentalists work with communities on climate issues. His deep understanding of the Gullah/Geechee culture enhances his advocacy for environmental policies that respect and protect indigenous lifeways.

Atty. John K. Pierre, Chancellor of Southern University Law Center, highlighted his work with disaster legal clinics that provide crucial support to communities affected by climate disasters. He distinguished between law and policy in addressing the effects of climate change, pointing out how legal frameworks can sometimes exacerbate environmental injustices. Pierre emphasized the need for robust legal advocacy to ensure that policies not only mitigate but also equitably distribute the benefits of climate resilience efforts.

Ms. Marilyn L. Hemingway, CEO/President & Founder of the Gullah Geechee Chamber of Commerce, is a tireless advocate for the economic and environmental sustainability of the Gullah/Geechee community. She leads initiatives that promote green businesses and sustainable economic development, working to ensure that environmental policies benefit her community both ecologically and economically.

Mr. Charles Ellison, Principal and Chief Strategist of BJE Strategy, focuses on integrating environmental justice into broader political and strategic frameworks. His work involves advising policymakers and community leaders on effective strategies to combat environmental racism and promote sustainable development in Black communities.

Dr. Shirley R. Brown, Associate Vice Provost and Professor of Sociology at Fisk University, brings an academic perspective to the discussion. Her research focuses on the social dimensions of environmental justice, examining how systemic inequalities shape the experiences of Black communities facing climate change. Dr. Brown advocates for inclusive policies that address these disparities and empower communities to lead their own sustainability initiatives.

During the panel, experts emphasized that not all jobs are beneficial, advocating for Black communities to resist industries that contribute to pollution and environmental harm. They underscored the importance of creating sustainable, green jobs that support both economic and environmental health, thus fostering long-term resilience against climate disasters. This comprehensive approach to leadership and advocacy is crucial in building a sustainable future for Black communities facing the brunt of environmental challenges.

Professor-Student Led Research Panels

A research panel followed at 11:15 a.m., moderated by Dr. Kelly D. Owens, Chief Impact Officer at INROADS. The panel showcased innovative research from HBCU faculty, including Dr. Randy Barbour of Alabama A&M University, Dr. Berneece S. Herbert of Jackson State University, Dr. Lawren Long of Tougaloo College, Dr. Elica M. Moss of Alabama A&M University, and Dr. Farzaneh Soflaei of Hampton University. Their presentations highlighted diverse approaches to sustainability, from urban green corridor designs to food security and nature-based solutions for coastal resilience.

After a lunch break, the summit resumed at 1:00 p.m. with a plenary session on "Protecting our Communities: Environmental Realities," moderated by Mr. Henry Obispo, an innovative social entrepreneur and creator of Born Juice. This session featured insights from Ms. Hajra Aziz, Executive Director of the Southern Door Community Land Trust and founder of ReBORN FARMS, and Mr. Charles Sumpter, Senior Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at the World Wildlife Fund. They discussed frontline solutions and community engagement strategies to address environmental challenges.

Queen Quet presents De Land da We: Land and Cultural Sustainability of the Gullah/Geechee

At 1:30 p.m., Queen Quet, Chieftess of the Gullah/Geechee Nation, delivered a plenary session titled "De Land da We: Land and Cultural Sustainability of the Gullah/Geechee." Queen Quet’s presentation was a profound exploration of the ongoing efforts of the Gullah/Geechee people to combat land displacement and preserve their cultural heritage. She emphasized how the Gullah/Geechee Nation, alongside aligned groups and supported by entities like Goldwater Ventures, is fighting climate change through advocacy and grassroots initiatives. The constellation of efforts spearheaded by the Gullah/Geechee Nation includes protecting their lands from environmental degradation, promoting sustainable practices, and educating younger generations about their cultural heritage. Queen Quet's powerful message highlighted the importance of community-driven solutions in achieving environmental justice and cultural sustainability.

The summit concluded with closing remarks at 3:00 p.m. by Dr. M. C. Brown II, Executive Director of the Payne Center for Social Justice at the Thurgood Marshall College Fund; Dr. Anne C. Bailey, Director of the Harriet Tubman Center and Professor of History at Binghamton University; and Ms. Shelly Ross, Assistant Director of the Kaschak Institute at Binghamton University. Their reflections underscored the day's themes and the critical need for continued advocacy and action to address environmental injustices impacting Black communities.

Goldwater's Influence

Goldwater Ventures is a full-service cultural sustainability firm that offers advisory and media services to institutional clients. We promote the traditionalist lifeways of cultural communities worldwide. Our Goldwater Arts division produces compelling content about Afro-/Indigenous cultures, while our Goldwater Advisory practice provides strategic guidance to institutions supporting Afro-/Indigenous communities.

Goldwater Ventures remains dedicated to supporting and amplifying the voices of Black and Indigenous communities in the fight for environmental justice and sustainability. A. Prince Albert III, the President and Founder of Goldwater Ventures, shared the following quote about the day:

"As an HBCU graduate, I am deeply honored to see the impact our education has on shaping leaders who drive change in our communities. At Goldwater Ventures, we are committed to advising and creating art that inspires equitable solutions for climate change, particularly through our IMPACT Club. Our projects around communal place-making, one of the seven lifeways categories we focus on, are essential in working with large institutions and communities to sustain traditional practices and cultural heritage. Today, I am especially proud of the Gullah/Geechee representation, as we have always been and will continue to lead the conversation as sea-faring, island-dwelling people—a foundational and evolutionary culture to Black American culture. Goldwater is steadfast in its fight for the cultural sustainability of Afro/Indigenous communities, combating forced displacement and negative environmental impacts that threaten our lifeways and well-being. We stand resilient, advocating for environmental justice and the preservation of our sacred traditions and communities."