Author: hiphopcaucus

The BlackOak Collective is a networking organization that aims to build a formal home for the many Black environmental communities in the DMV. BlackOak Collective co-founders Sarah Nesbit and Wes Gobar join The Coolest Show to discuss how we must foster mentorship and build a channel for Black talent in environmental fields.

Support the BlackOak Collective.

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After spending 30 years in a movement, one is able to reflect on the challenges, the growth, and provide insight to the next generation. Movement spaces are but a microcosm of society where, just like the world we’re striving to change, we have to center and build on our values. Rev Yearwood speaks with Leslie Fields, the National Director of Policy, Advocacy, and Legal at Sierra Club. The two discuss discriminatory philanthropy, reparations, and global intersections on climate change.

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It takes a lot of courage for whistleblowers to come forward and reveal information, risking their livelihoods. What began with an EPA employee exposing unethical vanadium pentoxide mining in South Africa led to the protection of whistleblowers from discrimination and retaliation. Rev Yearwood speaks with Dr. Marsha Coleman-Adebayo, EPA whistleblower, former Black Panther, and president of the Bethesda African Cemetery Coalition. The two discuss the No FEAR Coalition, decoding the language of white supremacy, and the history of slavery and African burial grounds in Montgomery County, Maryland.

Support the Bethesda African Cemetery Coalition:

https://bethesdaafricancemeterycoalition.net

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Black farmers are facing extinction with a 99% decline since 1920 due to racial discrimination by the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture. While seeking debt relief through section 1005 of the American Rescue Plan, farmers of color are facing delay due to white farmers suing to block payments. Rev Yearwood speaks with John Boyd, the president and founder of the National Black Farmers Association. The two discuss the history of land theft from Black farmers, tactics to prevent them from receiving money, and the need for more Black landowners.
Support the National Black Farmers Association: https://www.nationalblackfarmersassociation.org/

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Pan-Africanism is rooted in the connectivity and power of the Black/African diaspora. The continent of Africa is the epicenter of humanity–driving the future of not only the diaspora, but the world. Rev Yearwood speaks with Emira Woods, the senior advisor of Shine and associate fellow at the Institute for Policy Studies. The two discuss the colonial and economic oppression of Africa, the power and potential of women, and liberation leaders of the past and future.

Support the Shine Campaign: https://theshinecampaign.org/

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It’s extremely dangerous when people in positions of power/leadership make empty promises and play two sides of the field. Slow-walking progress costs people their livelihoods. We must hold the people “on our side” just as accountable as those who oppose us. Rev Yearwood speaks with energy investor Dr. Michael K. Dorsey. The two discuss the U.S.’ role in the shift to clean energy, an energy revolution in the Black diaspora, and the Black Owners Solar Services organization.

Support Black Owners Solar Services: https://www.blacksolar.org/

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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/