U.S. Senator Raphael Warnock and Representative Summer Lee awarded for climate and environmental justice leadership
WASHINGTON – Hip Hop Caucus, a national nonprofit organization that harnesses the power of art, culture, and community-driven advocacy to advance social justice, recognized Congressional environmental justice champions U.S. Senator Raphael Warnock (D-GA) and U.S. Representative Summer Lee (D-PA) with the 2024 A. Donald McEachin award at a reception on Capitol Hill on Wednesday, May 1, 2024. In honor of the late Congressman and environmental justice advocate A. Donald McEachin, the award is bestowed to Congressional members who exemplifies leadership on racial justice and environmental justice on behalf of disadvantaged communities.
“Hip Hop Caucus is proud to recognize Senator Warnock and Representative Lee as fierce Congressional champions in support of climate and environmental justice, as we honor the pioneering leadership and legacy of the late Congressman A. Donald McEachin, said Rev Yearwood Jr., President & CEO of Hip Hop Caucus. “Their collective efforts directly address toxic pollution and systemic environmental injustices which we know disproportionately affects Black, Latinx and Indigenous communities. As Hip Hop Caucus celebrates twenty years of using cultural expression to drive political and social change, we look forward to continuing collaboration with bipartisan Congressional leaders to address climate and environmental harms and enact sustainable solutions.”
Senator Raphael Warnock is a fierce and consistent advocate for climate and environmental justice. Senator Warnock cast a consequential vote for the Inflation Reduction Act, introduced the Solar Energy Manufacturing for America Act to advance the transition to clean energy, and collaborated with Senator Jon Ossoff to secure funds from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to protect Georgia families from potential lead exposure and poisoning.
Representative Lee was inspired to run for political office to fight for environmental justice. Representative Lee introduced and passed through committee the Bipartisan Abandoned Well Remediation Act which addresses the impact of methane emissions from abandoned oil and gas wells in Pennsylvania. Representative Lee has also co-sponsored several pieces of climate and environmental justice legislation, including the Environmental Justice For All Act, the Fossil Free Finance Act, and the Future Generations Protection Act.
Remarks at The A. Donald McEachin Environmental Justice Reception will be delivered by Hip Hop Caucus President & CEO Rev Yearwood Jr. and recording artist and Hip Hop Caucus’ Artist Relations Director and Cultural Producer Dawn Richard, among other special guests.
The Inaugural A. Donald McEachin Awards, held last year on Capitol Hill, honored Congressional environmental justice champions U.S. Senator Cory Booker and Representatives Barbara Lee and Raúl Grijalva.
For more information about Hip Hop Caucus, visit hiphopcaucus.org.
About Hip Hop Caucus
Formed in 2004, the Hip Hop Caucus (HHC) is a non-profit, non-partisan organization that leverages Hip Hop culture to encourage young people to participate in the democratic process. Through a collaborative leadership network, HHC addresses core issues affecting underserved communities. HHC programs and campaigns support solution-driven community organizing led by today’s young leaders.
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