FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Green For All and Howard University Announce “Green is the New Black” a Symposium for Young African-American Adults and the Green Economy
Green businesses, non-profits and performers to highlight African-American history and opportunities for jobs, advocacy and entrepreneurship in green economy at Feb. 23 event at Howard University
Green For All, a national organization working to build an inclusive green economy, Howard University, and Black Enterprise Magazine today announced a symposium for young adults, “Green is the New Black” on February 23rd at Howard University. The Black History Month event will honor the contributions that people of African descent have made – and continue to make in the fight for a more sustainable planet and equitable society.
WASHINGTON, DC – Green For All, a national organization working to build an inclusive green economy, Howard University, and Black Enterprise Magazine today announced a symposium for young adults, “Green is the New Black” on February 23rd at Howard University. The Black History Month event will honor the contributions that people of African descent have made – and continue to make in the fight for a more sustainable planet and equitable society.
Dozens of green businesses and non-profits will share opportunities for young people within the green economy, from jobs and internships, to opportunities for advocacy, service and entrepreneurship as part of a Green Opportunities Fair. Performances, and speeches by R&B singer KJ Rose, vegan chef and author Bryant Terry, the American Association of Blacks in Energy’s Arnetta McRae and music by the songwriter and producer Jack Knight will follow the jobs fair. Organic food from a local African-American caterer will be provided for the students as part of the event and all the materials will be compostable.
“African-Americans are seeing unemployment rates exponentially higher then the rest of the country,” said Phaedra Ellis-Lamkins, CEO of Green For All. “We need to get our young people inspired and involved in the possibilities of the fastest growing sector of our economy – the green economy. The Green is the New Black symposium at Howard University will do just that.”
There are currently 85,000 Americans working in the wind industry and more than 100,00 are working in solar. Nearly 50 percent of solar companies recently surveyed said they are expecting to add jobs in 2012. But, nearly one-in-five African-American men are currently unemployed. In today’s climate of economic uncertainty and environmental crisis, this symposium offers a message of hope and opportunity for young African-Americans.
"Creating a more sustainable environment involves developing and implementing good stewardship practices with respect to the use of all the Earth's resources,” said Alfonzye Chisholm Jr., Director of Sustainability for Howard University. “Partnering with Green for All helps insure that Howard University stays focused on developing a sustainable pool of young talent to help lead the way."
For more information on “Green is the New Black” symposium or to attend the event RSVP text GreenBlack to 25827.
More info on “Green is the New Black”:
WHAT “Green is The New Black” Symposium
WHO Green For All
Howard University
Black Enterprise
Refresa
K.J Rose, Bryan Terry, Arnetta McRae and Jack Knight
WHERE Howard University’s Blackburn Center Ballroom
2400 Sixth Street, NW Washington, DC
WHEN February 23, 2012
3-5 PM Green Opportunities Fair
5-7 Networking Dinner and Performances
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