Environmental Justice: An Advocate’s Triumph
In 1991, the United Church of Christ hosted the First National People of Color Environmental Leadership Summit in Washington, D.C.. People from 50 states gathered for this momental event that resulted in the 17 Principles of Environmental Justice and redefined the environmental movement. Environment went from being defined as wilderness to where one lives, works, studies, plays, and prays.
This summer Blessed Tomorrow is hosting a Let’s Talk Climate series on Environmental Justice. Environmental justice is the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people, regardless of race, color, national origin, or income, with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies. In this series we are featuring the perspectives of different people involved in the work toward environmental justice. These episodes will be available on ecoAmerica’s YouTube channel and together will provide a deeper understanding to support our climate justice work. Please watch and share widely.
The June Let’s Talk Climate episode features Huda Alkaff, Founder and Executive Director of WI Green Muslims. WI Green Muslims were one of the national finalists of the 2022 American Climate Leadership Awards and received a $10,000 prize. WI Green Muslims is a grassroots environmental justice organization formed in 2005, to provide education on Islamic environmental justice teachings and to form coalitions with others working toward a just, healthy, peaceful and sustainable future.
In addition to solar and garden programs, WI Green Muslims have worked since 2018, to establish a state Environmental Justice office in Wisconsin. On Earth Day this year, a state environmental justice office was formed by Gov. Tony Evers.