Inspired By Greenation
These days, in Michigan, we all need a little bit of inspiration. I know I do as I search (and search and search!) for leaders bold enough to define Michigan's future as one that is clearly linked to a restored and robust economy; an economy that builds upon clean, green jobs and the support and protection of our natural resources; an economy that celebrates the world class labor force we have in this state and understands that our future it intimately linked to the rest of the planet, as we move more and more consciously to the embrace of clean, renewal energy.
I attended Greenation's conference in Detroit Thursday and I was inspired...not only by the speakers, but by the multi-age, multi-color, multi-ethnic group of people who attended.
The conference began with words from Greenation's Executive Director, David Anthony Bullock, a tireless advocate for the environment and disadvantaged people who received his undergraduate degree from Morehouse College, and an M.A. in philosophy from Wayne State University. Bullock, who is also a pastor, began the conference by saying that there are many (many!) people who like to "sing the sorrow song", but we don't need any more of that. We need people who are "positively positive all the time....in attitude and in action."
Rev. Bullock has a lot to be proud of in terms of action. His most recent project (or action) is a new green development project in Highland Park. Greenation has purchased four homes there and Rev. Bullock and his team intend to put in solar panels, geothermal heating and much more to create a series of green homes. They'll be doing all this with the help of high school students and other youth who will learn as they do! This is a curriculum that will provide much-needed hands-on training in energy efficiency, renewal energy to students as we build towards a cleaner future. After the work is complete, two homes will be turned back over the community; the others will remain part of the training center of excellence.
If that wasn't inspiring enough, one of the honorees yesterday was the amazing Reverend Faith Fowler, Executive Director of the Cass Community Social Services (CCSS). Reverend Fowler (who was also just chosen as one of the Detroit Free Press Green Leaders) was honored for her overall commitment to creating green industries and jobs and connecting to those who need them the most: the homeless, the hungry and the unemployed. One recent CCSS program was highlighted: Green Gem. Green Gem is about to be launched and is a health and fitness program for women suffering from excessive weight and associated health conditions. Green Gem has ten stationary bikes that generate electricity for the Green Industries located in the CCSS warehouse. The gym is open daily for homeless people living in the CCSS's transitional housing and permanent supportive housing programs, as well as staff members and volunteers. How cool is that?!!??
Reverend Fowler was gracious and incredibly humble in her acceptance of the award. She told a poignant story of Maquita, a 7 year old girl who came to live at CCSS after being found homeless, living in a car with a couple of other family members on Belle Island. When Reverend Fowler was talking with Maquita one day about the importance of environmental programs and caring for the earth, Maquita turned to her and asked, "If we destroy our home, where will we go?"
Reverend Fowler cares for people like she cares for the planet, knowing full well that for everyone deserves a home...and for the human species, there's only one.
Posted by Lisa Wozniak, Michigan LCV Executive Director
PS - This is the first of two posts on my experience at the Greenation event. The second will focus on one of my heroes: Van Jones, founder of both the Ella Baker Center for Human Rights and Green For All. Van Jones is the author of the New York Times Bestseller The Green Collar Economy: How One Solution Can Solve Our Two Biggest Problems (Harper One 2008), which is endorsed by Nancy Pelosi, Tom Daschle and Al Gore. More on Van next time........
