This is Climate Justice, Y'all!, a podcast dedicated to lifting up and centering the climate and environmental justice movement in the South. Climate Justice, Y'all

Welcome to the season finale!

In this episode, we’re highlighting the incredible work of Democracy Green, an Afro-Indigenous-led conservation organization based in Western North Carolina. Hurricane Helene devastated Appalachia months ago, and while many are still rebuilding, Democracy Green’s dynamic duo, Mama Sanja Whittington and her daughter La’Meshia Whittington remind us that neighbors and networks are the first responders in times of crisis. Their approach is rooted in relationship-building, cultural understanding, and a commitment to healing both the people and the land by way of climate consciousness.

We will explore their innovative model of mutual aid, powerful stories from the frontlines, and their vision for a world where corporations are held accountable, and communities are equipped to thrive amid climate change and disasters.

La’Meshia Whittington- Cofounder and Board of Green Democracy

For more, check out season 1 episode 8 “When Disaster Strikes Part I with Michael Esealuka” and season 1 episode 9 “When Disaster Strikes Part II with N. Teresa Ramos.”

The post S4E4: When Disaster Strikes: Hurricane Helene with La’Meshia and Sanja Whittington appeared first on Climate Justice, Y'all.

This is Climate Justice, Y'all!, a podcast dedicated to lifting up and centering the climate and environmental justice movement in the South. Climate Justice, Y'all

Abigail and Marésha sit down and talk with Nina Morgan, former climate and environmental justice organizer for GASP. Nina is a graduate of UAB (University of Alabama at Birmingham) where she studied Anthropology and Sociology. Nina mapped over 3,000 trees on campus using GIS and served as a decathelete in the 2017 DOE Solar Decathlon competition.

Nina is also a co-founder of the Magic City Youth Initiative, where she works to uplift and support a youth-led movement for social justice in the Greater-Birmingham area. As a Black, Southern, working-class person, Nina is committed to creating a world in which people and planet are cherished, protected and liberated. Sit back and enjoy the conversation!

The post S4E3.5: Revisiting Nina Morgan on Climate & Environmental Justice in Alabama appeared first on Climate Justice, Y'all.

This is Climate Justice, Y'all!, a podcast dedicated to lifting up and centering the climate and environmental justice movement in the South. Climate Justice, Y'all

Welcome four the fourth season of Climate Justice, Ya’ll!

We’re revisiting the conversation with Nina Morgan from season 1 episode 7 “Nina Morgan on Climate & Environmental Justice in Alabama.” After listening to this episode, go listen to the first part of the conversation. Whether you’re a new listener, or have been with us for a while, it’s a great conversation to revisit.

Environmental justice (EJ) is the principle that everyone deserves clean air, water, and land no matter their background, location, or income. Environmental injustice refers to a set of actions, intentional or otherwise, that places the burden of pollution on marginalized communities. Birmingham, Alabama, like many communities across the south and the nation, is negatively impacted by environmental pollution.

In this episode, co-hosts Mareshah Malcom and Abigail Franks catch-up with local organizer Nina Morgan, where they revisit past lessons from their previous conversation and integrate new wisdom about the intersectionality of environmental justice, social justice, and a livable climate future for southerners and international citizens.

The post S4E3: Southern Environmental Justice with Nina Morgan appeared first on Climate Justice, Y'all.

This is Climate Justice, Y'all!, a podcast dedicated to lifting up and centering the climate and environmental justice movement in the South. Climate Justice, Y'all

On this episode of Climate Justice, Y’all, we are joined by Jeannie Economos of the Farmworker Association of Florida. Jeannie’s title is Pesticide Safety and Environmental Health Project Coordinator. She’s been with the Farmworker Association for more than 20 years. She focuses on issues related to farmworkers’ exposure to pesticides. She is also coordinator of the Lake Apopka Farmworker Memorial Quilt Project, which memorializes the former farm workers on Lake Apopka who were exposed to toxic pesticides on the vegetable fields of Florida’s most contaminated large lake.

In this wide-ranging, at-times emotional interview with host Abigail Franks, Jeannie shares experiences working with farmers and farmworkers in the South.

The post S4E2.5: Revisiting Talking Labor with Jeannie Economos appeared first on Climate Justice, Y'all.

This is Climate Justice, Y'all!, a podcast dedicated to lifting up and centering the climate and environmental justice movement in the South. Climate Justice, Y'all

Welcome to the fourth season of Climate Justice, Ya’ll!

We’re revisiting the conversation with Jeannie Economos of the Farmworker Association of Florida, from season 1 episode 4 “Talking Labor with Jeannie Economos.” After listening to this episode, go listen to the first part of the conversation. Whether you’re a new listener or have been with us for a while, it’s a great conversation to revisit.

In this episode, co-hosts Mareshah Malcom and Abigail Franks speak with Domonique O’Connor and Jeannie Economos to discuss how, amidst climate change and disaster, we can help protect farm workers’ rights and support those on the ground doing so. Tune in to hear wise words and a critical conversation about the importance of protecting farm workers’ rights (from 2024 to 2021) and fighting for a healthy and just society.

The post S4E2: Protecting Farm Workers’ in the Heat of Climate Change with Jeannie Economos and Dominique O’Connor appeared first on Climate Justice, Y'all.

This is Climate Justice, Y'all!, a podcast dedicated to lifting up and centering the climate and environmental justice movement in the South. Climate Justice, Y'all

Justin J. Pearson is the fourth son of five boys born to teenage parents in Memphis, Tennessee. Justin J. graduated from Mitchell High School as Valedictorian and Bowdoin College in 2017 majoring in both Government & Legal Studies and Education Studies. Justin J. is also a leader of Memphis Community Against Pollution and co-founder of Memphis Community Against the Pipeline (MCAP) which is a Black-led environmental justice organization that successfully defeated a multi-billion dollar company’s crude oil pipeline project. He is the Co-Lead and the Strategic Advisor for the Mid South Mobilization Committee of the Poor People’s Campaign: National Call for Moral Revival.

The post S4E1.5: Revisiting The Kids Are All Right with Justin J. Pearson appeared first on Climate Justice, Y'all.

This is Climate Justice, Y'all!, a podcast dedicated to lifting up and centering the climate and environmental justice movement in the South. Climate Justice, Y'all

Welcome four the fourth season of Climate Justice, Ya’ll!

We’re revisiting the conversation with Justin J. Pearson, now known as Representative Pearson, from season 2 episode 14 “The Kids Are Alright (Part I).” After listening to this episode, go listen to the first part of the conversation. Whether you’re a new listener, or have been with us for a while, it’s a great conversation to revisit.

In this episode co-hosts Mareshah Malcom and Abigail Franks speak with Tennessee House Representative Justin J. Pearson. Things have changed since the last time they spoke, including a historic event in the state house regarding the “Tennessee Three”, new environmental justice fights, and new political landscapes. Tune in to hear Representative Pearson share some wisdom and a critical conversation about the importance of youth-led movements (from 2024 and 2021) and fighting for a healthy and just society.

The post S4E1: Honoring A Legacy In The Making with Rep. Justin J. Pearson appeared first on Climate Justice, Y'all.

This is Climate Justice, Y'all!, a podcast dedicated to lifting up and centering the climate and environmental justice movement in the South. Climate Justice, Y'all

Wrap up the third season with hosts Abigail and Maréshah as they discuss one of the foundational solutions to the climate crisis: community organizing. Listen to experienced community organizers Lindsay Harper and Celida Soto talk about how to effectively work with communities towards grassroots solutions.   

“Community organizing is knowing when to listen to lived experiences, when to step back, and when to step forward.”

Celido Soto works with many organizations such as Margins: Women Helping Black Women, Yellow Hammer Fund, S.W.E.E.T Alabama, Faith & Works. Celida’s organizing work covers many different areas, but all are rooted in her community.

Lindsay Harper is the National Coordinator for Arm in Arm. Arm in Arm works to end the climate crisis by centering racial and economic justice.

The post S3E12: Climate Solutions: Community Organizing 101 with Lindsay Harper and Celida Soto appeared first on Climate Justice, Y'all.

This is Climate Justice, Y'all!, a podcast dedicated to lifting up and centering the climate and environmental justice movement in the South. Climate Justice, Y'all

In this special episode, hosts Maréshah and Abigail listen to Queen Quet, the Chieftess and Head-of-State of the Gullah Geechee Nation, explain how they are utilizing indigenous scientific knowledge to protect and adapt their Sea Islands from modern colonization and climate change.

The Gullah/Geechee Nation exists from Jacksonville, NC, to Jacksonville, FL. It encompasses the Sea Islands and thirty to thirty-five miles inland to the St. John’s River. On these islands, people from numerous African ethnic groups linked with indigenous Americans and created the unique Gullah language and traditions from which later came “Geechee.” The Gullah/Geechee people have been considered “a nation within a nation” from the time of chattel enslavement in the United States until they officially became an internationally recognized nation on July 2, 2000. At the time of their declaration as a nation, they confirmed the election of their first “head pun de boddee”-head of state and official spokesperson and queen mother. They elected Queen Quet, Chieftess, and Head-of-State for the Gullah/Geechee Nation.

The post S3E11: Climate Solutions: Harnessing Indigenous Wisdom for Climate Adaptation on the Sea Islands with Queen Quet appeared first on Climate Justice, Y'all.

This is Climate Justice, Y'all!, a podcast dedicated to lifting up and centering the climate and environmental justice movement in the South. Climate Justice, Y'all

In this episode, Abigail and Maréshah have a two-part discussion with folks from Water Wise Gulf South: Dr. Angela Chalk and Jeff Supak. Chalk and Supak work together to adapt and mitigate water issues in Louisiana. They know that solutions to flooding and rising sea levels are most impactful when communities and government work together.

“If we really want to live with water, we need to shift our relationship on how we view water in New Orleans and the region… (with flooding and worsening storms) we need to ask folks to view their communities as water-front properties, and to prepare for that.” – Angela Chalk

Jeff Supak is the co-founder and Executive Director of Water Wise Gulf Coast, and Angela Chalk is the executive director of Healthy Community Services. Water Wise Gulf South empowers individuals and communities to manage stormwater to reduce flooding, among other benefits. Water Wise uses green infrastructure to improve water quality and filter and detain stormwater runoff.

The post S3E10: Climate Solutions: Scaling Community Flooding & Water Solutions with Dr. Angela Chalk and Jeff Supak from Water Wise Gulf South appeared first on Climate Justice, Y'all.