Celebrating Black Trailblazers with SharePower™

Environmental justice and Black History Month intersect in profound ways — highlighting the ongoing struggle for equality and equity in both social and environmental contexts. Historically, marginalized communities, particularly Black communities, have borne a disproportionate burden of environmental degradation and pollution. From toxic waste sites being located in predominantly Black neighborhoods to the unequal distribution of clean air and water resources, environmental injustices have long plagued these communities.

Black History Month provides a crucial opportunity to reflect on these injustices and recognize the resilience and activism of Black individuals and communities in advocating for environmental justice.

Throughout history, Black leaders and activists have played pivotal roles in the fight for environmental justice. Figures like Dr. Robert D. Bullard, known as the "father of environmental justice," have shed light on systemic racism embedded within environmental policies and practices. Through their persistent efforts, advocates for environmental justice have achieved significant legislative victories. One such victory was the Executive Order signed by President Bill Clinton in 1994, which addressed environmental justice in minority and low-income populations. This order focused federal attention on environmental inequalities in minority and low-income populations.

Black History Month serves as an opportunity to celebrate and honor the contributions of these trailblazers while acknowledging the ongoing challenges faced by Black communities in achieving environmental equity.

As we commemorate Black History Month, it is imperative to recognize that the fight for environmental justice is far from over. Structural inequalities and systemic racism continue to perpetuate environmental injustices, impacting the health and well-being of Black communities worldwide. These injustices are why we need programs like SharePower™ and, more importantly, subscribers like you who care about your community enough to help advance equitable clean energy futures.

It will require a collective effort to drive meaningful and transformative change. We are grateful to count on you as an ally as we stand on the shoulders of Dr. Bullard and others who have come before us to create an environment that serves all people equitably.