From June 25-28, 2024, the Loudermilk Center hosted the groundbreaking We Are ONE conference in Atlanta, Georgia. This collaborative effort between PGM ONE, Justice Outside, and Next 100 Coalition brought together environmental leaders of color from across the nation, fostering a space for community building, strategic action, and collective commitment to environmental justice and equity.
A Step Towards Inclusive Representation
The We Are ONE conference aimed to create a more inclusive environment for environmental leaders of color. For many attendees, this gathering provided a unique opportunity to connect with peers who share similar experiences and challenges in the field. One participant reflected, “It was refreshing to be in a space where I saw more diversity than I typically encounter at environmental conferences.” Another attendee shared, “I appreciated the opportunity to connect with professionals from various backgrounds and cultures within the environmental justice movement.”
These reflections highlight the ongoing importance of striving for better representation in environmental leadership. While the conference made strides in this direction, we acknowledge that true inclusivity is an ongoing process. We recognize that within the Black, Indigenous, People of Color community, there is vast diversity, and we take feedback on ways to improve seriously.
Highlights and Breakthroughs
The opening ceremony set the tone with a powerful fireside chat featuring leaders from the organizing coalitions. Keynote speakers Queen Quet, Chieftess of the Gullah Geechee Nation, and environmental activist Leah Thomas challenged attendees to think beyond traditional environmental paradigms.
One standout session, “SordoRican – Deaf Accessibility Dentro La Isla,” exemplified the conference’s commitment to exploring multiple layers of marginalization. It shed light on the unique challenges faced by the deaf and hard of hearing community in Puerto Rico, reminding us that environmental justice must be inclusive of all communities.
The diversity of sessions offered something for everyone, from practical workshops on building community air quality networks to discussions on climate grief and healing. As one attendee noted, “All the sessions I attended were valuable. I particularly appreciated how the policy sessions fed into a larger vision for change.”
A Step in the Right Direction, But the Journey Continues
While the overwhelmingly positive feedback highlighted the conference’s success, we recognize that We Are ONE is just one step in an ongoing journey. As we celebrate our achievements, we also acknowledge the constructive feedback received and the work that lies ahead.
Moving forward, we’re committed to improving representation even further, ensuring that all voices within the Black, Indigenous, People of Color environmental community are heard. We’re also dedicated to creating more spaces for difficult but necessary conversations that will push our movement forward.
The We Are ONE conference is part of a series of gatherings and events aimed at fostering a more inclusive and representative environmental justice movement. We understand that true progress requires ongoing effort and self-reflection. As we plan future events, we’re actively working to:
- Broaden our outreach to ensure representation from a wider range of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color communities, including those who may have felt underrepresented at this conference.
- Create more opportunities for difficult but crucial conversations within the Black, Indigenous, and People of Color environmental community.
- Develop strategies to translate the connections and insights gained at these gatherings into tangible actions and policy changes.
The Resource Mobilization Fair on the final day symbolized our commitment to action beyond words. It provided a platform for attendees to connect with organizations and find concrete ways to further their involvement in environmental initiatives.
Looking Ahead: The Ripple Effect
As the conference came to a close, it was clear that its impact would extend far beyond those four days in Atlanta. New partnerships were formed, innovative ideas were sparked, and a renewed sense of purpose energized the attendees.
“I made connections with people that I will remain in contact with for a lifetime,” one participant shared, encapsulating the lasting impact of the event.
We Are ONE wasn’t just a conference – it was a catalyst for change, a community-building exercise, and a bold statement about the future of environmental leadership. As we move forward, we carry with us the spirit of unity and purpose that defined this gathering, ready to face the environmental challenges ahead with a more diverse, inclusive, and empowered community of leaders.
The journey towards true environmental justice and equity is ongoing, and We Are ONE has set a new standard for what’s possible when we come together. As we look to future gatherings and initiatives, we remain committed to amplifying diverse voices, fostering difficult conversations, and turning inspiration into action.
Together, we are nurturing our communities, mobilizing for change, and reimagining what environmental leadership can be. The We Are ONE conference may be over, but our collective work is just beginning. We invite all members of the Black, Indigenous, and People of Color environmental community to join us in shaping a more just and equitable environmental future, where every voice is heard and valued.
In community,
The We Are ONE Planning Team
The Next 100 Coalition
Justice Outside
PGM ONE
