Forging our own path: The importance of Black leadership in environmental and climate advocacy

Black people are disproportionately burdened by environmental hazards in their communities. However, studies continue to demonstrate that Black people are intentionally left out of environmental decision-making rooms, perpetuating increased systemic health issues for Black communities. Despite federal promises of environmental justice within the federal government, there is much work to be done. This conversation will explore what it means to center impacted communities in environmental and climate-related decisions. It will also explore how centering Black and other frontline communities can help mitigate the climate crisis for everyone.

About the Speaker:

Abre’ Conner, Esq. oversees the strategy and collaboration across the Association to dismantle environmental racism. She has taught Education Law and is currently faculty in the Environmental Policy and Management Program at the University of California-Davis.

A graduate of American University, Washington College of Law, and the University of Florida, Abre’ has been named a top 40 under 40 Nation’s Best Advocate by the National Bar Association, top 100 leader by Fresno Black Chamber of Commerce, top 40 On the Rise Attorneys by the American Bar Association Young Lawyers Division, Community Champion by Fresno Building Healthy Communities, 40 under 40 alumni by the University of Florida, and has appeared in the New York Times’ The Daily, American Bar Association Journal, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated’s National Magazine, The Archon, and Cosmopolitan Magazine.