As a longtime follower of climate activism and a lover of music, I am absolutely thrilled about the new initiative by Antonique Smith and Rev Yearwood, Climate Revival. Their unique approach of combining the power of celebrity and faith communities to mobilize people of color for the climate vote is truly inspiring.
Actress Antonique Smith and activist Rev Yearwood have joined forces to establish Climate Revival, a novel charitable organization that leverages the influence of music and prominent figures to motivate religious groups and people from diverse racial backgrounds to participate in the climate voting process – not just for the 2024 elections, but onward.
On Friday, I’m thrilled to be part of a unique gathering dubbed “Climate Revival: Live,” taking place in Washington, D.C. This special event marks the beginning of an exciting initiative. You can expect appearances from talented artists like Leslie Odom Jr., inspiring filmmaker Maya Penn, and Representative Justin J. Pearson.
Smith, who has graced both the Broadway stage in ‘Rent’ and the silver screen in ‘Luke Cage’ and 2009’s ‘Notorious’, is set to take up the position of CEO at Climate Revival. Over the past decade, she has been an active participant in the climate movement, inspired by the impact it was having on her community. She emphasizes a recent Yale study that reveals 68% of Black Americans reside near coal-powered plants that contribute to asthma and cancer, yet only 12% are familiar with the concept of climate justice.
This autumn presents an unprecedented opportunity for advancement on climate issues. Across the nation, climate advocates and climate-related legislation are popping up at various levels, offering a chance to revamp our systems and make them beneficial for both people and our environment,” she expressed in a statement. “Let’s take action by rallying with our beliefs, our art, and our enthusiasm to unite voters around climate change. Merely existing is not enough; we strive for prosperity.
Yearwood, the co-founder of Climate Revival, also holds the positions of president and CEO at Hip Hop Caucus. He was the focus of “Hip Hop Rev,” a documentary on Discovery that highlighted his extensive efforts over the years as an advocate for social and climate justice.
In the heart of an environmental catastrophe, what’s required is not just recovery, but a rejuvenation of our climate. We need to shift away from fossil fuels towards renewable energy sources, and this transformation should be guided by our beliefs, affection, traditions, and shared humanity. The state of our environment should never be a matter of political divide or ideology. Instead, we are all God’s creations, and it is our responsibility to ensure that our planet remains habitable for generations to come.
Yearwood commented on their project’s strategy, stating, “Raw data, research, and facts don’t foster unity or forge emotional connections; they don’t motivate people to vote or leave their homes. Over my career in climate action, I’ve found that partnerships with famous personalities and musicians have the greatest impact, providing the most meaningful encounters and inciting the most activism.
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2024-09-09 12:54