Indianapolis, IN - Imhotep Adisa is native of Indianapolis, Indiana. As an African-American, his interest in environmental and economic issues was born out of personal and community experiences. His interest in environmental issues was heightened after some of the young men in his program held a forum on the documentary An Inconvenient Truth. Not long after, the group read Van Jones' The Green Collar Economy. Since that time most of their work has centered on creating community awareness about the environment, providing information to residents on green economic opportunities, and providing an alternative voice to the community about these issues as they relate to the African-American community. Over the years he has helped lead forums and trainings, operated a restore, acquired energy auditor certification, started a community garden, and run summer EcoCamps. Three years ago, his organization opened the KI EcoCenter – a community center that focuses on green initiatives and serves as a hub for community based activities. He believes we are living in a very unique time, full of danger and possibility and calls us to "embrace the paradigmatic moment."

Awards

Recipient of the Fellows Fund micro-grant award for: 
Express Your Self Rain Barrels
Kheprw Institute – Indianapolis, IN

The Express Your Self Rain Barrels project was designed to tackle both high unemployment and water contamination through sewer overflow. The project will prepare emerging community entrepreneurs to develop rain barrel businesses. Beginning with a 2-month training program on both rain barrel production and social entrepreneurship, the entrepreneurs will be supported through the project as they launch sustainable businesses.