Day 2 of the 11th Annual HBCU Climate Change Conference focused on empowering the next generation of leaders. The day's events included awarding the Damu Smith Award to Donnelle Wilkins, Founder & CEO of the Green Door Initiative.

Attendees also participated in inspiring panel discussions, highlighting critical themes of environmental and climate justice.

Day 1 in New Orleans brought together students, faculty, and community leaders to bridge the gap between climate research and real-world action. These initial sessions highlighted the critical connection between climate justice and the fight for racial and economic equity.

This collaborative effort, spearheaded by the Bullard Center and DSCEJ, underscores a commitment to climate resilience, particularly within HBCU communities.

Day 1 in New Orleans, LA, convened students, faculty, and community leaders to bridge climate research with real-world action. Sessions underscored the inseparable link between climate justice and the fight for racial and economic equity.

Key themes included climate resilience and the vital role of HBCUs.

The Bullard Center for Environmental and Climate Justice at Texas Southern University released "Green Light to Pollute in Texas." This comprehensive report analyzes 89 new or expanding petrochemical facilities across five Texas regions.

Its stark findings reveal that 9 out of 10 facilities are planned in counties with higher concentrations of people of color and families in poverty. Nearly half are in neighborhoods among the worst 10% in the U.S. for toxic air releases. Furthermore, 93% are near other high-risk chemical plants, compounding threats of explosions, leaks, and chronic disease.

A related documentary features residents detailing how this industrial expansion has impacted their communities.

Texas is a global petrochemical hub, leading the U.S. in refining capacity and production. The Greater Houston area alone accounts for over 42% of the nation's base capacity.

This industrial concentration disproportionately affects fenceline communities, often low-income communities of color. They face increased health and environmental risks from facility expansions, which the Texas Commission for Environmental Quality frequently approves despite public resistance.

Inaam Chattha, who experienced eco-anxiety as a teen, channeled his concern into environmental activism, volunteering, and exploring the intersection of race, land, grief. Now a medical student, he authored children's books on eco-emotions and was named a Top 25 Under 25 Environmentalist by Starfish Canada.

In 2023, Chattha launched Green Mind, a national, youth-led initiative. It provides culturally grounded educational materials and a bilingual Climate Wellness Toolkit to help young people, especially from underrepresented communities, cope with climate anxiety and take action. The toolkit is used in Ontario classrooms for somatic grounding, journaling, and peer connection.

Sophie Tipper, passionate about environmental policy since middle school, joined the Colorado Youth Advisory Council (COYAC) in July 2023. Noticing youth were absent from state environmental task forces, she and Ashna Shah developed a policy memo recommending youth advisors for the Colorado Department of Public Health's Environmental Justice Board. This led to drafting SB25-055, a bill requiring two youth members on the board. Despite a sponsor's election defeat, Tipper secured new support, and the bill was introduced to the Colorado legislature in January 2025.

SB25-055 subsequently passed and was signed into law by Governor Jared Polis in May. Tipper, now drafting a plastic pollution bill, believes youth advocacy empowers young people to drive real policy change. She hopes to inspire similar youth-led environmental initiatives nationwide.

Lily YangLiu began activism at age 10, recognizing by 13 that youth voices were often tokenized. This sparked her commitment to inclusive political and environmental decision-making. She now leads K–12 Climate Literacy, developing early climate education for BC schools, and the Katija Hyoungjoo Neuber Institute, organizing youth delegations to the UN, IMF, and World Bank.

Her advocacy extends to YOUNGO, supporting 10,000 young climate advocates, and roles with Children First Canada and Youth Climate Corps BC. Named a Top 25 Woman of Influence in Canada, YangLiu believes "activism isn’t about noise; it’s about care, appreciation, and building inclusive communities," a principle guiding her work.

After the 2020 wildfires, Kyle Trefny became a wildland firefighter, connecting with peers passionate about transforming society's relationship with fire. This led him to co-found FireGeneration Collaborative (FireGen) in 2022. FireGen is a youth-led organization dedicated to shifting wildfire management from short-term disaster response to long-term resilience and Indigenous leadership.

Trefny co-led FireGen's national campaign, advocating for youth roles in policy. This resulted in FireGen members advising a federal commission and Director Ryan Reed becoming the youngest federal advisor in US history. Trefny has also been instrumental in shaping FireGen's vision and securing over $350,000 in grants, empowering youth and Indigenous voices for the future.

Joey Wu's personal experience with water scarcity in Taiwan ignited his passion for clean water access. Later, as an undergraduate, he designed a PFAS water filter. However, he learned that technical solutions alone are insufficient; they require community trust and socio-cultural buy-in for effective adoption.

In 2022, Wu launched Waterroots, a youth-led climate literacy initiative. It empowers young leaders in water-stressed regions to bridge the gap between technical solutions and community needs, inspiring locally-driven action. Waterroots has grown into a digital community with over 50 members across 25 countries, sharing their water stories through platforms like YouTube. Wu mentors these leaders, fostering global conversations on our shared planetary future.

This reflection examines the enduring impact of Hurricane Harvey, years after its devastating landfall. It delves into critical themes of injustice and resilience, exploring how affected communities navigated the aftermath and recovery.

Renowned expert Dr. Robert Bullard speaks out on these vital issues, offering profound insights into environmental justice and the long-term challenges faced by populations impacted by such disasters.

Veteran Willie Horstead, Jr. shares his story of resilience amidst relentless flooding in Shiloh, a historically Black community. Months ago, government leaders promised relief and protection, but these pledges remain unfulfilled.

Willie's message is clear: he seeks justice, safety, and peace for his neighborhood. He calls for action, highlighting the urgent need for environmental justice in Shiloh. Join us in supporting Willie and the community's push for lasting change.

A press statement and community briefing, "Justice for Shiloh," is scheduled for January 14, 2025, at The National Press Club.

This event will address flood damage to homes in the affected area and discuss compensation for their restoration.

On December 9, 2024, Secretary Buttigieg addressed flooding issues in Shiloh, Alabama, during a conference in Cleveland, Ohio. The discussion centered on governmental assistance for homeowners affected by floods.

The Bullard Center specifically requested government aid for Shiloh regarding these concerns.

The Bullard Center, MH Reach, and the Sunnyside Redevelopment Community Organization hosted an Environmental Toxic and Maternal Health Mini Tour in Houston's historic Sunnyside neighborhood. This initiative aimed to examine environmental and maternal health challenges, connect participants with experts on pollution and climate justice, and empower advocacy.

Attendees visited critical sites impacted by air pollution, concrete batch plants, metal recycling facilities, and rock quarries. They witnessed firsthand how environmental hazards disproportionately affect marginalized communities and maternal health outcomes. The tour concluded with a call to action, encouraging petitions to influence policy and advance research, serving as a catalyst for environmental justice.

Learn more and get involved: https://www.thescro.org/

For three decades, the Environmental Career Worker Training Program has significantly impacted communities across the nation. Program directors, coordinators, and students reflect on its enduring legacy and the positive changes it has brought.

A key focus of the program has been fostering clean energy environments, empowering communities to build a sustainable future.

Dr. Bullard concluded the 10th Anniversary HBCU Conference.

The event marked a significant milestone for the institution.

Dr. Robert Bullard, Director of the Bullard Center for Environmental and Climate Justice at Texas Southern University, announced the center's Black History Month theme: "Land Loss, Just Compensation for Shiloh."

This year's focus is on black land loss, specifically in Shiloh, South Alabama. The community is experiencing land and wealth loss due to a highway project, highlighting critical environmental justice and transportation concerns.

I am Aaliyah Jackson, a rising senior at Texas Southern University.

My major is Political Science.

Bryden Mitchell is a Criminal Justice major at Texas Southern University.

He is passionate about promoting equity and justice, particularly in underserved communities.