WASHINGTON, DC — Rev. Lennox Yearwood Jr., President and CEO of Hip Hop Caucus, recently gave a TEDx talk titled, “A Crisis of Imagination: Stories to Save Us” at TEDxGreatPacificGarbagePatch in Santa Monica, CA. The question posed at the gathering on barriers to solving the climate and environmental crises : How Do We Solve Plastic Pollution by 2040? Rooted in personal history and lived experience, Rev. Yearwood’s address connected the plastic pollution crisis to racial justice, climate impacts, and the power of storytelling to drive change.
Remarking on his upbringing in Louisiana and his mentorship under civil rights leader Dr. Dorothy Irene Height, he argues that solving the plastic pollution crisis by 2040 requires centering leadership from women, particularly Black, Brown, and Indigenous women, as well as young people and queer and trans communities. He drew a direct line from the civil rights movement to Hurricane Katrina, recalling how Black and Brown residents were left behind and turned away while seeking safety, underscoring that climate and environmental crises are lived through inequality and loss.
Drawing on two decades of organizing, Rev. Yearwood named a central challenge: a crisis of imagination. While science and data are critical, he said, lasting change requires stories that help people see both the problem and their role in shaping solutions. Citing Toni Cade Bambara’s assertion that “the role of the artist is to make the revolution irresistible,” he emphasized culture as essential to policy and called for elevating frontline voices beyond what he described as “the rage of the privileged.”
He concluded by addressing future generations who may live to see the year 2100, asking whether they will question why society failed to act despite knowing plastics are fossil fuels and harmful to human health, and envisioning a future where new leaders rise to declare a world that is “plastic free at last.”
The release of Rev. Yearwood’s talk comes as Hip Hop Caucus continues its Respect My Vote! and Think 100% campaigns, which connect environmental justice, civic engagement, and cultural power—reflecting many of the solution-oriented frameworks advanced throughout TEDxGreatPacificGarbagePatch.
TEDxGreatPacificGarbagePatch was curated by Dianna Cohen, Co-Founder and CEO of Plastic Pollution Coalition.
Watch the full TEDx talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U8caTDc0gJI
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About TEDx
In the spirit of discovering and spreading ideas, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TED Talks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized. (Subject to certain rules and regulations.)
About Plastic Pollution Coalition
Plastic Pollution Coalition is a non-profit communications and advocacy organization that collaborates with an expansive global alliance of organizations, businesses, and thought leaders globally to create a more just, equitable, regenerative world free of plastic pollution and its toxic impacts.
About Rev. Lennox Yearwood Jr.
Rev. Lennox Yearwood Jr. is the President & CEO of Hip Hop Caucus, a national, non-profit, non-partisan organization that connects the Hip Hop community to the civic process to build power and create positive change. He is a leader in the climate justice movement and a prominent advocate for civil rights.
About Hip Hop Caucus
Formed in 2004, the Hip Hop Caucus 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, Hip Hop Caucus addresses core issues affecting underserved communities. Hip Hop Caucus programs and campaigns support solution-driven community organizing led by today’s young leaders.
