Author: hiphopcaucus

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/

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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Racism is a public health crisis that fuels the Black community’s lack of trust in the government. Incidents such as the Tuskegee experiment and the Flint water crisis are examples of environmental racism, also categorized as genocide. Rev Yearwood speaks with Elise Tolbert, Founder and Executive Director of Next Step Up and the Deputy Director of Partner Engagement at Climate Action Campaign. Elise and Rev Yearwood discuss the need for young leadership, Black mental health, and the challenge to thrive in a society built to destroy you.

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The producers of The Coolest Show (DeJuan Cross, Destiny Hodges, and Tamara Toles O’Laughlin) give listeners an inside look at the production of the show. Rev Yearwood guides them through a critical conversation on: why spaces like The Coolest Show are needed to speak truth to power; the importance of prioritizing a Black audience for a climate podcast; and “lifting up the struggle while it’s evolving.”

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Institutionalized groups want young, Black, and Indigenous organizers to be inspirational and play a superficial role. But oftentimes, they don’t want to fund their work to effectively dismantle systems of oppression. It is easier to do the work that coddles one’s privilege because they don’t have to confront their privilege or the realities that communities first and foremost affected are experiencing. Rev Yearwood speaks with Isha Clarke, Co-founder of Youth Vs Apocalypse, and Aniya Butler, Hip Hop & Climate Justice coordinator. They share with us the struggle to gain funding and support for young people-led organizations; the importance of doing radical (root-addressing) work; and taking power out of systems of oppression and putting them into community-led solutions that center liberation.

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The fight for fair equity and access to appropriate resources has been an uphill battle for many organizations started in black communities. Funders have historically not trusted black organizations, resulting in folks doing twice the work for a small percentage of any available support. Rev Yearwood Speaks with Natalie Mebane, Associate Director of U.S. Policy at 350.org. Natalie shares her origins in the movement, the culture in her home of Trinidad and Tobago, using privilege to help the environment, and how white led organizations should strive to become equitable and diverse workplaces.

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