Feb 2021 T
A newsletter of Zion Hill Baptist Church
THE LIU (pronounced LEE-UU)
Now You Know...
his year during Black History Month let’s highlight and celebrate of Black Environmentalists. Unlike their white counterparts, the dedication, patience, leadership, intelligence and efforts of the Black Environmentalist largely goes un-noticed. There is a substantial number of black activists who in their own way are influencing climate strategies. From
models in the early 1960s. These models have helped scientists understand climate change. As his research developed, Washington worked to incorporate the oceans and sea ice into climate models. Washington has engaged in research for over 50 years, has over 150 publications, a Nobel Peace Prize and many other awards, including the National Medal of Science
the halls of academia to the walk ways of the inner cities, they advocate for conservation, stewardship and environmental justice. Below are two such noteworthy individuals:
given to him by President Obama “for his development and use of global climate models to understand climate and explain the orle of human activities and natural processes in the Earth’s climate system” and “for his work to support a diverse science and engineering workforce.”
Dr. Warren Washington
Dr. Washington is the second African American to earn a doctorate in the atmospheric sciences. In collaboration with Dr. Akira Kasahara, Dr. Washington became one of the first developers of groundbreaking atmospheric computer
Rue Mapp
Mapp is the founder and CEO of Outdoor Afro, a nonprofit that celebrates and inspires African American connections and leadership in nature to help people
take better care of themselves, communities and the planet. Outdoor Afro has networks in nearly 30 states (including Georgia), led by 80 trained volunteer leaders who facilitate activities such as hiking, biking, camping, environmental education, conservation stewardship and more. These activities promote healthy lifestyles and help communities find healing, connect to black history in many natural areas and inspire an increased desire to protect vulnerable public lands. Since Outdoor Afro’s inception in 2009 as a blog, Mapp has captured the attention and support of millions through a multi-media approach that is grounded in personal connections and community organizing. They work to change the narrative of who engages in the Outdoor by posting thousands of photos and stories. By 2010 Mapp was invited to the White House to participate in the America’s Great Outdoors Conference and subsequently to take part in a think-tank to inform the launch of the First Lady’s “Let’s Move” initiative. Mapp’s influence continues to grow and she describes Outdoor Afro as a network that is changing “what it means to be black and connected to the outdoors” and “what it means to care for the planet.” n —Sis. Sandra Baylis Planet Preservers Re-printed from medium.com, 28 Black Environmentalists You Should Know, March 7, 2019. Washington photo/Special Collections and Archives Research Center, Oregon State University Libraries and Press; Mapp hoto by Laki Sarah.