To engage and educate Black people around environmental justice issues that negatively impact their community and quality of life. This safe learning space will equip residents with tools, resources, and knowledge necessary to advocate for proactive solutions that serve to disrupt environmentally unjust systems.  

In 2019, the Collective hosted its first board training with 34 regional participants in an effort to bolster Black representation in the environmental justice and sustainability sector; participating recruiting organizations included Tree Pittsburgh, Just Harvest, and more.  

Local and regional organizations have recognized the overwhelming need to include diverse voices that are historically lacking within the environmental justice movement.  It’s imperative that historically marginalized populations play a role in dictating the progress of sustainable communities and their quality of life.  Due to this need, The Black Environmental Collective has assisted with board and employment placement. 

Through this experience, the Black Environmental Collective is capable of training and matching Black leaders and youth to spaces where they will:  

• Develop transferable leadership skills 

• Contribute inclusive experience and alternative knowledge 

• Catalyze transformational organizational changes  

• Advocate for regional policy shifts within climate change, health and equity within marginalized communities 

The Black Equity Coalition is a network of predominantly Black professionals, executive leaders, medical doctors, researchers, and community stakeholders who are intentional about ensuring that Black and brown communities receive accurate and reliable information about COVID-19.  For more information and to get involved, please visit their website