DAY 1: Wed. March 5, 2025

Conveners Dr. Beverly Wright and Dr. Robert Bullard welcomed over 200 participants to our opening Community Forum, setting the stage for an inspiring evening.

We heard a powerful keynote from Dr. Benjamin Chavis Jr.—activist, author, journalist, and president & CEO of the National Newspaper Publishers Association—who shared his insights on environmental and climate justice. 
The Community Forum: “Environmental Justice Pioneers and Torch Bearers” sparked meaningful dialogue as pioneers shared their wisdom and empowered the next generation of EJ leaders. 

We closed the evening with a book signing, bringing together voices committed to the fight for climate and environmental justice.

DAY 2: Thurs. March 6, 2025

The day began with Dr. Beverly Wright’s insightful presentation, “Setting the Stage.” Dr. Robert Bullard then introduced Dr. Paul Mohai from the University of Michigan, who spoke on “Taking into Account Cumulative Burdens in Environmental Decision-Making.”

The day continued with engaging panel discussions, the presentation of the Damu Smith Power of One Award to Dr. Femi Adesanya, and several student panel presentations. 

DAY 3: Fri. March 7, 2025

Day 3 kicked off with a powerful keynote from Dr. Robert Bullard, followed by insights from our International Panel featuring Dr. Mithika Mwenda (Pan African Climate Justice Al.), Zandisile Howe (EcoHarmony Eswatini), and Nia Jones (The Energy Queen, LLC). 

The afternoon featured multiple panels including “Climate Change Impacts: Increased Risks in Environmental Justice Communities” and a session on “Investing in Universities, Empowering Communities,” exploring opportunities in alternative energy investments.
Daniel Blackman, Founder of Renaissance94, delivered an inspiring keynote, and Jacqui Patterson, Founder & Executive Director of the Chisholm Legacy Project, discussed “Inequities In Vulnerability, Impact And Response.”

DAY 4: Sat. March 8, 2025

Day 4 of the Conference kicked off with a powerful Roundtable Discussion: Climate Change—Where Are We Now and Where Do We Go From Here? Experts Marshall Shepherd, Alan Sealls, and Paul Goodloe shared the latest insights on climate science, global policy, and progress. Dr. Calvin Mackie delivered an inspiring keynote during our luncheon and we welcomed our Generation Next students to the plenary session. The Generation Next component of our conference, co-sponsored by the Crescent City Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, is designed for middle and high school students eager to dive into the world of climate change. We were also treated to a rousing performance by the local group Girls Play Trumpets Too. (A very special thank you to Waverly Street Foundation for providing this amazing entertainment!) In the afternoon, students presented their research posters and the winners were announced later that day.

DAY 5: Sun. March 9, 2025

Our 10th Anniversary Climate Change Conference ended with two fantastic student panels. The conference had 481 attendees participating over five days, including students and faculty from 16 HBCUs and seven predominantly White institutions. It had six keynote speakers, five expert panels, seven student panels, three community panels, four breakout sessions, and 46 presenters in the poster session. The event also featured a book signing. With the rising climate crisis disproportionately impacting Black people and the communities where our institutions are located, solutions grounded in justice and equity are needed now more than ever before. Our intergenerational HBCU Community Consortium is built to meet this challenge.