On a day that is reserved to paying homage to mother Earth, it only seems right that Blavity gives special shoutouts to those who are dedicated to preserving our communities and our planet.
Kari Fulton, EJCC
Kari Fulton is an award winning environmental justice advocate. Fulton is currently the interim director of the Environmental Justice and Climate Change Initiative, an advocacy group that works hard to address social justice and climate change equally. As a student at Howard University, Fulton was able to see the connection between theenvironment and poverty while working as a volunteer in the Gulf Coast in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. In April of 2009, Fulton co-founded Checktheweather.TV (formerly Checktheweather.net) a national online community and web platform to amplify the voices of young people of color advocating for environmental justice.
Nikki Silvestri, Green for All
During her time as Executive Director at Green for All, Nikki led initiatives that placed vulnerable communities at the center of the climate fight. As the former Executive Director of People’s Grocery in Oakland, Nikki increased the organization’s profile as a national thought leader on food systems development for vulnerable communities. You may have seen Nikki on Huffington Post, BET.com, and a variety of other media platforms. That’s because her passion for our community and the environment shines through in everything that she touches. Check out this awesome Ted Talk she did last year and witness for yourself.
Brandon McEachern, Broccoli City
Brando McEachern is the founder of Broccoli City. Broccoli City Organic Lifestyle (BC) is a media platform that uses creativity to showcase a relatable look into the environment, sustainability, health, and social issues through culture, art, fashion & music in an effort to improve, encourage and empower the urban community. This year the Broccoli City Music Festival is feature performances by Erykah Badu, Joey Bada$$, Willow Smith, and Jaden Smith. In addition to the music festival they also have some community service events lined up in the D.C. area. Anyone in the DMV who wants more info should check out the link here.
Kalila Barnett, ACE/REEP
Kalila Barnett is currently the executive director of ACE ( Alternatives for Community and Environment). This is a group whose mission is to “empower communities of color and low-income communities in Massachusetts to eradicate environmental racism and classism, create healthy, sustainable communities, and achieve environmental justice.” Kalila is a Roxbury native and lifelong resident of Boston, and totally embodies what it means to use your talents to give back to your community. ACE is an organization that is dead serious about their mission and have been recognized by the City of Boston, American Bar Association, and The US Environmental Protection Agency. If you live in the Boston Area and want to get involved, check out their website here.
Denzel Thompson, Philadelphia Urban Creators
As the co-founder of “Philadelphia Urban Creators”, Denzel made a lot of waves last year when he helped launch a campaign that introduced urban farms and farmer’s markets to North Philadelphia. Last summer Philadelphia Urban Creators hosted an event called Hood Stock (you read that correctly) which started with a farmer’s market, and a community clean-up, and ended with live art and performances by local Philadelphia artists.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dpTy0aDGF1U
