A Green "Dream"
Even in Memphis, the green movement looks, well, white. Last year, former Portland, Oregon, parks and recreation director Charles Jordan gave a talk at Memphis College of Art that touched on making the environmental movement more inclusive. Of the 400 people in the room, Jordan was maybe one of five African Americans. But Green for All's "The Dream Reborn" conference, held last weekend at the Cook Convention Center, saw 1,000 attendees of every race, creed, gender, and age.
Even in Memphis, the green movement looks, well, white.
Last year, former Portland, Oregon, parks and recreation director Charles Jordan gave a talk at Memphis College of Art that touched on making the environmental movement more inclusive. Of the 400 people in the room, Jordan was maybe one of five African Americans.
But Green for All's "The Dream Reborn" conference, held last weekend at the Cook Convention Center, saw 1,000 attendees of every race, creed, gender, and age.
"Most environmental conferences are 98 percent white, but most environmental problems impact people who are not white," says Green for All founder Van Jones. "We thought we'd come to Memphis to honor Dr. King and talk about the challenges that face vulnerable people."
The mission of Green For All is to create a green economy strong enough to lift people out of poverty. Conference organizers mandated that 70 percent of attendees be persons of color.
"We believe that all people deserve access to healthy food and clean energy sources," Jones said. "Environmental solutions are not just for people who can afford to buy a hybrid car or put solar panels on their second home."
Speakers highlighted links such as the one between clean air and asthma and the one between clean air and obesity and diabetes.
