The Green Agenda

On behalf of Young, Gifted & Green, Climate Action Campaign, and the Environmental Defense Fund, we would like to invite you to join us for Season 6 Episode 9 on our podcast The Green Agenda | Power Struggle: The Fight for Affordable Energy.

In this episode, we examine the alarming rise in energy costs and the profound impact on households, particularly in low-income communities. Join us as we dissect the factors driving these price hikes, explore the challenges of energy affordability, and highlight grassroots initiatives advocating for equitable solutions. We’ll feature stories from individuals struggling to keep the lights on and organizations working tirelessly to push for policy changes that prioritize people over profits.

Host: Kayla Shannon | Spelman College Alumna

Guest: Robin Lewis | Director for Climate Equity, Interfaith Power & Light DMV

On behalf of Young, Gifted & Green, Climate Action Campaign, and the Environmental Defense Fund, we would like to invite you to join us for Season 6 Episode 8 on our podcast The Green Agenda.

In this episode we recognize the contributions and economic impact of Black entrepreneurs and business owners, especially Black Farmers. August is Black Business Month and a perfect time for a conversation about the Farm Bill- a massive, legislative package that Congress typically renews every five years which directs national policies related to agriculture, food security, nutrition assistance, and land conservation. We’ll dig into personal stories and the history of Black farmers in the US and the ongoing fight for equal access in the South and accountability from public officials.

Host: Kayla Shannon | Spelman College Alumna

Guest: Kellie Adesina | Vice President, BGR Group’s Commerce and Infrastructure practice, Chair of the Board of Directors for the Food Research & Action Center (FRAC), Founder, Black Professionals in Food and Agriculture

On behalf of Young, Gifted & Green, Climate Action Campaign, and the Environmental Defense Fund, we would like to invite you to join us for Season 6 Episode 7 on our podcast, The Green Agenda. Legal recourse in the environmental justice sector is very unique in practice that it not only requires knowledge and skill at the intersection of environmental justice and civil rights, but the power of establishing rapport and trust with the community.

In this episode, we will sit down with Amanda Garcia as highlight the importance of legal strategies in environmental justice, showcasing how community groups are leveraging the law to advocate for their rights and ensure accountability.

Host: Kayla Shannon | Spelman College Alumna

Guest: Amanda Garcia | Senior Attorney, Southern Environmental Law Center

On behalf of Young, Gifted & Green, Climate Action Campaign, and the Environmental Defense Fund, we would like to invite you to join us for Season 6 Episode 6 on our podcast The Green Agenda. According to a recent Gallup poll, Seven in 10 Americans oppose the construction of an AI data center in their local area, including 48% strongly opposed.

In this episode, we will sit down with Abre' Conner, Esq. from NAACP as we explore the environmental and social impacts of data centers in low-income neighborhoods, discussing grassroots movements advocating for cleaner technology and equitable development.

Host: Kayla Shannon | Spelman College Alumna

Guest: Abre' Conner, Esq. | Director of the Center for Environmental and Climate Justice, NAACP

On behalf of Young, Gifted & Green, Climate Action Campaign, and the Environmental Defense Fund, we would like to invite you to join us for Season 6 Episode 5 on our podcast The Green Agenda. The rapid spread of data centers has taken the US by storm. From rural, urban, to suburban cities and towns alike, data centers have received massive concerns from community, while elected officials and tech industries tout the expansion as an opportunity...but at what cost.In this episode, we will sit down with KeShaun Pearson from Memphis Community Against Pollution who has actively been resisting xAI in Memphis.

We will discuss the role of Community Benefits, holding polluters accountable, and highlighting successful examples and strategies for communities to negotiate better terms for critical investment while standing on business regarding excessive water and energy use as well as fighting against increased air pollution.

Host: Kayla Shannon | Spelman College Alumna

Guest: KeShaun Pearson | Memphis Community Against Pollution

On behalf of Young, Gifted & Green, Climate Action Campaign, and the Environmental Defense Fund, we would like to invite you to join us for Season 6 Episode 4 on our podcast The Green Agenda. 12 years ago in April 2014, the City of Flint was changed forever as a "cost cutting" switch to the Flint River cost the lives of residents with the #FlintWaterCrisis. In this episode, we will commemorate the Flint water crisis by sharing personal stories and lessons learned from youth directly impacted, emphasizing the ongoing fight for safe drinking water and accountability from public officials.

On behalf of Young, Gifted & Green, Climate Action Campaign, and the Environmental Defense Fund, we would like to invite you to join us for Season 6 Episode 3 on our podcast The Green Agenda for this EXCLUSIVE Environmental Defense Fund Takeover on the topic People vs. Poison: Reclaiming Chemical Safety in Black & Brown Communities. In this episode, we will dive into the complexities of the Toxic Substances Control Act and examine the current challenges in enforcing and updating this crucial legislation. Join us as we explore the implications for public health and environmental safety, and discuss effective strategies grassroots activists and communities can employ to advocate for stronger protections and accountability.

Guest Host
Cecile Brown | Communications Director, Healthy Communities, EDF

Featured Guest
Suhani Chitalia | Senior Manager, Federal Affairs, EDF

On behalf of Young, Gifted & Green, Climate Action Campaign and EDF Action, we would like to invite you to join us for Season 6 Episode 2 on our podcast The Green Agenda on the topic The Fight for the People’s Bill: The Environmental Justice for All Act. In this episode, we'll dive into the critical importance of the Environmental Justice for All Act, examining its implications for equitable environmental protections and how community mobilization is shaping its future.

Host Kayla Shannon | Spelman College Alumna

Featured Guest

Mar Zepeda Salazar | Legislative Director, Climate Justice Alliance

On behalf of Young, Gifted & Green, Climate Action Campaign, and the Environmental Defense Fund, we would like to invite you to our Season 6 premiere of The Green Agenda on the topic “Still Standing on Environmental Justice Business in 2026”. In this episode, we will reflect on the progress made in environmental justice over the past year, highlighting key victories and ongoing challenges faced by marginalized communities in the push for equitable policies.

Host
Kayla Shannon | Spelman College AlumnaFeatured

Guest
LaTricea D. Adams | Founder CEO & President, Young, Gifted & Green

On behalf of Young, Gifted & Green, Climate Action Campaign, and the Environmental Defense Fund, we would like to invite you to our Season 5, Episode 10 of The Green Agenda on the topic “Reflecting on 1 Year of Lead and Copper Rule Improvements”. In this episode, we will deep dive into the strengths and challenges of the first year of the Biden administration's rule to eliminate all lead pipes in the U.S. over the next ten years. We'll also discuss the political landscape and ways state water utilities and lawmakers are stepping up to address the lead in drinking water.

Host: Kayla Shannon | Spelman College Graduate Spring 2024

Featured Guest: Chakena D. Sims | Senior Policy Advocate, Safe Water Initiative, NRDC