Earth Day and the BEL Effect: The Black Environmental Leaders Association

April 22 is Earth Day. On this day in 1970, 20 million Americans marched for clean air, clean water, and environmental justice. In this episode, we honor Earth Day with a  conversation about environmental activism with a focus on health, diversity, inclusion and equity with SeMia Bray and David Wilson, Co-Directors of the Black Environmental Leaders Association (BEL). BEL has a three-fold mission: Advocate for environmental justice, Incubate environmental leaders and Inform through community environmental education. In this thought-provoking and important conversation we talk about Cleveland's environmental legacy and how our environmental future is being shaped by increased representation by people of color. David and SeMia spark conversations that speak to our shared humanity and bring the voice, the agency, and the lived experience of people of color into the hard work of environmental protection and decision making. They call this the BEL Effect and it is powerful.

Guests:
SeMia Bray - Co-Director Black Environmental Leaders Association and Cray Consulting Group
David Wilson - Co-Director Black Environmental Leaders Association and Project Manager at Land Studio

Resources:
About BEL
Earth Day 1970
Carl Stokes and the 1969 River Fire
Celebrate Earth Day 2022 Cleveland

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