Anita Cunningham, Executive Director, NC Climate Solutions Coalition, Director, NC Disaster Response and Resilience Network
First, let me say the NC Environmental Justice Summit had everything I needed to nurture my body, mind and spirit!
From research presentations and poster sessions, to a government listening session, to a fireside chat, the uplifting and soulful sounds of “Fruit of Labor Musical Ensemble”, the riveting stories from our neighbors in the west that survived Hurricane Helene, and to what we can do as a state in being sure we are prepared physically as well as financially for future disasters.
I was deeply moved by the outdoor ceremony lead by Vivien Sansour (Palestine Heirloom Seed Library), and Dr. Crystal Cavalier, (7 Directions of Service), which focused on honoring our ancestors and respecting the lands we occupy. Additionally, the incredible space created by Monèt Noelle Marshall (Grounded Possibilities), during the multifaith service on the final day of the summit was truly inspiring. The exercise of naming and fully feeling a pain in a room full of “my tribe” was one of the most emotionally freeing experiences I’ve had in my nearly six years in North Carolina. It helped me realize that my struggles are shared by others. If I am that link in the chain that Sister Naeema speaks of, leading with intention, then I am surrounded by love, shared struggle, and immense power.
Although I come from Washington D.C., my roots of solidarity are firmly planted in North Carolina, in this movement that I have been called to work on by my ancestors, that demands justice for our underserved populations, amplifies the voices of my community, and that I continue to stand with intention, integrity and agitation – when I need to. Our elected officials were with us as we expressed our joy, but often our frustration of how to work with them to protect the natural resources as well as protect the public health for all of us no matter what our zip code is.
These are times for building on current relationships, but also, on forging new ones. I was honored to have a chance to talk with Rebecca Witter of Appalachian State about her experiences after Hurricane Helene and ways we can support Western NC and its residents; Stacey Freeman (PowerUp) about organizing and tools and tips we can share; Crystal Cavalier-Keck of 7 Directions of Service and her willingness to be on an environmental/disaster film panelists talking about her experience with the Mountain Valley Pipeline and the harmful community impacts and what we need from the impacted among us; and Dr. Undi Hoffler at NC Central about possible funding opportunities to advance the work we know will make a difference for so many in our communities.
What an incredible summit with so much to take in! The work we are doing around climate solutions and ways we can create a more renewable energy future, as well as disaster preparedness and recovery and educating our communities about those opportunities through projects such as:
- communities of color and solar energy
- cleaner and greener initiative-meeting monitor program
- developing a disaster recovery assembly with environmental, faith based and the disaster recovery community
- building rural resilience with a focus on our youth
Working with other disaster recovery groups across the state, we have compiled a list of resources to support not just the recent victims of Hurricane Helene, but prepare and focus on a truly sustainable plan for disasters in the future are a few ways my organizations are being supported, but also that am I am being enriched by the NCEJN summit and all the environmental leaders on whose shoulders I stand.
I have said for the last 3 years “I am a link in the chain and the chain will not break here” and I mean it. I am in deep solidarity with my brothers and sisters across the great state of NC and nationally (as I sit on the White House Environmental Justice Advisory Council) in finding solutions, advocating for environmental justice, and educating folks about ways we can live the future we want to see.
Thank you NCEJN (and each staff person and board member there; because I can only imagine how much work went into creating such an awesome, creative and thorough event) for an incredible summit and I look forward to seeing you next year.
I hope I’m published by then and can contribute to the programming; lol.
All my best, in solidarity.
