Reflections from an EJCC Youth Leader

Youth leader, journalist and Morgan State University Alumni, Reginald Larkin II, reflects on his experiences as a fellow and student leader with the Environmental Justice and Climate Change Initiative:

Since its conception in 2001, the Environmental Justice Climate Change Initiative (EJCC) has shaped the Environmental movement by focusing its attention toward the issues of Environmental/ Climate justice. Celebrating a decade of equality and sustainability, EJCC has propelled itself to the forefront of the Environmental movement.  Through their efforts EJCC has managed to impact lives through their youth and community outreach programs. Being an EJCC Equity & Justice Fellow, I am fortunate to be a product of EJCC’s efforts.
Meeting Kari Fulton, the new Director of EJCC, has been one of the pivotal moments in my life. The conversation I had with her that September afternoon, ignited my passion for social justice.  After attending Power Shift 2007, I was furthered convinced that my time and energy would be best focused toward this cause.
Immediately after Power Shift, I inquired on how I could become active in the movement. From there I became a 2008 Justice & Equity Fellow, Nia Robinson spokes these memorable words “, I am training the next generation of climate leaders.” I recall this statement as clearly and vividly as the day, I heard it.
When Nia Robinson uttered those words, I knew this experience would be life changing. As I began to the read about the various ways that climate in-justice has permeated our urban communities I became resolved to secure solutions for these disparities.  I always thought Climate Change was real and that its effects were real, however EJCC showed me how tangible Climate change is.

Larkin getting fellow students at Morgan State to sign the Power Vote Pledge.

My co -fellows and myself were responsible for integrating sustainability into the culture of our various campuses and communities.  This proved to be an invaluable experience that has influenced my career endeavors.  The fellowship led to many memorable moments such as attending the Congressional Black Caucus, Sitting on the Power Shift 2011 steering committee, and speaking at Howard University on the same panel as Dr. Beverly Wright and Dr. Robert Bullard.
EJCC has taken the helm with Climate Justice issues and is constantly finding ways to inform under-represented communities. The first decade has proven most fruitful for EJCC as that been able to establish their place in the environmental movement.  I envision a future where EJCC will only expand their reach and continue to increase their impact within Environmental Communities.

Reginald Larkin is a freelance journalist, public relations consultant and advocate for climate justice. He currently resides in Harlem, New York City.

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