In this episode of A People’s Climate, host Shilpi Chhotray sits down with Patrisse Cullors, author, educator, artist, and abolitionist who you may also know as the co-founder of Black Lives Matter. They explore the deep connections between racial justice, environmental justice, and the fight for a more just and caring world. 

From her childhood experiences in Los Angeles to organizing around police brutality, climate justice, and cultural work, Patrisse shares why her vision is rooted in care, creativity, and nonviolent action. 

Together, they unpack what it means to build coalitions across movements, resist systemic violence, and imagine a future beyond just survival.

Key Topics

• How racial justice and climate justice are deeply interconnected
• The role of abolition in addressing systemic violence and environmental harm
• Nonviolent direct action as both a strategy and philosophy for change
• The science of organizing
• Coalition-building across movements and communities
• Cop City
• Abolition Aesthetics and art as resistance

Resources to Explore

• Patrisse Cullors DEI Manifesto
• Patrisse Cullors Website
• Dignity and Power Now
• Learn more about Cop City in the Shilpi Chhotray hosted “People over Plastic” podcast episode: The Hot Seat.
• Learn more about Cancer Alley in the Shilpi Chhotray hosted  “People over Plastic” podcast episode: Secret Sauce

Credits

Presented by Counterstream Media and The Nation
Powered by Wildseeds Fund
Host: Shilpi Chhotray
Executive Producer: Mindy Ramaker
Engineer: Dennis Maxwell
Project Manager: Marianella Nuñez
Additional Research: Sarah Morgan

Learn more at apeoplesclimate.org

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