Actress Antonique Smith and renowned activist Rev Yearwood have unveiled Climate Revival, a nonprofit organization with a bold mission to mobilize Black communities and faith-based groups to vote with climate action at the forefront. By using the unifying power of music and celebrity influence, the duo aims to encourage voters to engage in environmental issues for the 2024 elections and beyond.
Climate Revival will officially launch with a highly anticipated event, “Climate Revival: Live,” taking place in Washington, D.C., this Friday. The event will feature performances and appearances by celebrated artist Leslie Odom Jr., filmmaker Maya Penn, and Congressman Justin J. Pearson, showcasing the organization’s focus on blending culture and activism to drive change.
Antonique Smith, known for her roles in Rent on Broadway and Luke Cage, as well as her portrayal of Faith Evans in Notorious (2009), is stepping into the leadership role as CEO of Climate Revival. Her involvement in environmental activism stems from personal experience. Smith, who has been active in the climate movement for the past decade, became passionate about environmental justice after witnessing how her own community was disproportionately affected by environmental hazards. She references a study from Yale revealing that 68% of Black Americans live within 30 miles of a coal-fired power plant, which is known to cause asthma and cancer, yet only 12% are aware of climate justice issues.
Smith sees this moment as a crucial turning point: “This fall represents the most significant opportunity in history for us to make real progress. Across the country, there are climate champions and legislation on the ballot that can help transform our systems to benefit both people and the planet. We need to use our faith, music, and joy to unite people and encourage them to vote on climate issues. Surviving isn’t enough — we deserve to thrive.”
Rev Yearwood, co-founder of Climate Revival and president/CEO of Hip Hop Caucus, brings years of social and climate advocacy to the initiative. Known for his role in the documentary Hip Hop Rev, Yearwood has long been a vocal leader for justice. He believes the climate crisis is a moral issue that transcends political boundaries. “We are in the midst of a climate emergency, and what we need is a revival. Transitioning from fossil fuels to clean energy is critical, and we must lean on our faith, love, and humanity to make this happen. The environment cannot be seen as a political issue. We are all God’s children, and we must protect this planet for future generations.”
Yearwood further explains that traditional methods of engagement, such as data and studies, often fail to inspire real action. He asserts that collaborations with celebrities and musicians have consistently proven to be more effective in reaching broader audiences, fostering a sense of community, and encouraging people to get involved. “In my years working on climate, it’s the cultural partnerships that create the richest experiences and inspire the most action,” Yearwood adds.
By combining Smith’s experience in the entertainment industry and Yearwood’s expertise in social justice, Climate Revival hopes to become a driving force in the climate movement, particularly in Black communities that have historically been overlooked in environmental conversations.
With a focus on the upcoming 2024 election, Climate Revival aims to educate and empower people to vote on key climate issues that will shape the future of environmental policy in the U.S. Through creative outreach methods, including musical performances, celebrity engagement, and community events, the nonprofit is poised to spark a nationwide movement toward climate justice.
As the climate crisis deepens, Smith and Yearwood are calling for unity and action. Climate Revival is not only about survival but about reclaiming the right to thrive and creating a better future for generations to come. The launch event in Washington, D.C. is just the beginning of a larger campaign to amplify Black voices and faith communities in the fight for climate action.
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