Month: July 2021

Did you know that only 1.3% of the U.S.-based climate funding goes to Black, indigenous, and people of color-led environmental justice groups? The Climate Funder’s Justice Pledge calls on foundations to do better in the fight for climate justice. Donors of Color Network, a philanthropic group dedicated to funding racial equity efforts, has asked the top 40 climate funders to disclose precisely what percentage of their funding during these past two years went to organizations led by BIPOC communities. They are requesting funders to pledge at least 30% of their climate donations to such groups. Rev Yearwood speaks with guests Daniel Deane, climate adviser of Donors of Color network, and Miya Yoshitani, executive director of the Asian Pacific Environmental Network. They discuss the effort to fund racially diverse climate groups and how that is gaining momentum. 

Support Donors of Color Network: https://climate.donorsofcolor.org/

It is important to be grounded when doing this work. For people like Rev Yearwood and Ibrahim Abdul-Matin, urban strategist and author, they ground themselves in their spiritual faith. They discuss extractivism vs regeneration, phases of the environmental movement, and the connections between Islam and the environment.

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On July 2nd, 2021, the Hip Hop Caucus held a press conference to rally around the Byhalia pipeline fight in Memphis, Tennessee. Later that day, Plains All American Pipeline announced the cancellation of the 49-mile proposed Byhalia pipeline that would have gone right through the predominantly Black Southwest Memphis to transport crude oil for export.

In this episode of The Coolest Show, you’ll hear part of our press conference to depict the tone and fight before the cancellation, as well as the aftermath through the voices of Justin J. Pearson, Co-Founder of the Memphis Community Against the Pipeline (MCAP), and Ms. Scottie Fitzgerald, a Southwest Memphis landowner and MCAP Supporter.

Listen as we discuss the battle against the Byhalia pipeline and the importance of spirit and human first over profit.

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While people are profiting off the planet and the most vulnerable, creatives are leading innovation in sustainability with a heart and people-centered approach. The artist’s eye is the bridge between the culture and movements. Rev Yearwood speaks with Maya Penn, environmental activist and CEO of the eco-fashion brand Maya’s Ideas. Maya and Rev discuss standing on the shoulders of giants, buying Black and ethical, and the rise of Black women entrepreneurship. 

Support Maya’s Ideas: mayasideas.com

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