Green The Block

As an environmental and climate justice organizer I have stood in solidarity with frontline communities fighting against dirty, polluting industries. As a young leader I have made sure the voice of the new generation is not politically segregated to the “kiddie” table. As a hip-hop head I have spent my share of hours debating the top 5 emcees of all time (Rakim should be on everybodys list) But as a woman, I had to take a step back and ponder, how do I rep for my gender while I Green the Block?

Green The Block launches in Washington, D.C., with Wyclef, Representative Donna Edwards, Jeff Johnson, and more!

Leaders from all over the country came to Washington, D.C. this weekend for the Congressional Black Caucus Annual forum.

Long time Memphis green activist Sandra Upchurch works with Douglas High School students, Memphis Mayor AC Wharton, and Councilwoman Barbara Swerangen-Ware to clean up the campus and help green the surrounding community.  Students walked throughout the neighborhood of Douglas providing energy saving tips and lightbulbs.  This event exemplifies what it means to "green your block!"

You know there is something different going on when in the great state of Kentucky, when Gov Steve Beshear and the Nappy Roots are out together in Bowling Green on September 11 to remember and honor the victims of the 2001 attacks, and to look to acts of community service that promote Green Jobs as the imperative for a better future for this country.  They were joined by Kentucky Secretary of Finance and Administration Jonathan Miller, Warren County Judge-Executive Mike Buchanon, representatives of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and local leaders and residents.

Nappy Roots performed for their hometown residents in Bowling Green at a local Housing Authority project, where residents received information on green jobs, as well as tips on saving energy and purchasing more energy efficient products.