Justice Climate Fund Aims to Provide Capital and Resources to Disadvantages Communities
ORLANDO, FL – The American Association of Blacks in Energy (AABE), a leading organization championing diversity and inclusion in the energy industry, has joined the Community Builders of Color Coalition (the Coalition), an influential advocacy group led by the African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs (The Alliance). Together they will advocate for the equitable allocation of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF).
The collaboration between the Coalition and AABE highlights the influential role of collective action in driving meaningful change. Leveraging their respective strengths, these organizations will advocate for a minimum of 40% of the awarded capital to benefit disadvantaged communities. Through the Justice Climate Fund, a groundbreaking initiative designed to access EPA’s Greenhouse Gas Reduction Funds, the Coalition aims to provide capital and leverage resources that foster enduring health and economic benefits for low-income and disadvantaged communities nationwide.
“We are delighted to join forces with a powerhouse organization like the AABE. They have been at the forefront of promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within the energy industry for decades, and are a key influencer in policy decisions at the local, state, and national levels. By working together, we can drive meaningful change and create sustainable economic opportunities for communities of color,” said Lenwood V. Long, Sr., President and CEO of The Alliance.
“AABE is honored to join forces with the Community Builders of Color Coalition and partner with the African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs. Together, we have the power to address the energy needs of the Black community and rectify the historical energy inequities they have faced. We can unlock immense potential within Black communities, creating sustainable economic opportunities and ensuring their voices are heard in energy policies and developments. This collaboration signifies our unwavering commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the energy industry, and we are determined to drive meaningful change for the betterment of all,” said Ralph Cleveland, AABE President.
The Coalition is comprised of 19 BIPOC-led organizations including: The African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs, African-American Credit Union Coalition, American Association of Blacks in Energy, Black Community Developers Group, The Chisholm Legacy Project, Community Development Bankers Association, Hip Hop Caucus, Inclusiv, National Association for Latino Community Asset Builders, National Bankers Association, National Urban League, Native CDFI Network, National CAPACD, Oweesta Corporation, Opportunity Finance Network, Prosperity Now, Reimagine Mains Street, US Black Chamber, and Urban Strategies, Inc.
For the latest updates and additional information on the Coalition’s activities, please visit www.aaacdfi.org/greenhouse-gas-reduction-fund/.
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About The African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs
The African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs, known as “The Alliance,” is a coalition consisting of over 75 CEOs from Black-led Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs). These institutions include loan funds, credit unions, venture capital firms, and non-profit developers. Since its establishment in 2018, The Alliance’s extensive network has provided services across all 50 states and the District of Columbia. To learn more about The Alliance and its programs, please visit http://www.aaacdfi.org.
About The American Association of Blacks in Energy
The American Association of Blacks in Energy (AABE) is a national association of energy professionals founded and dedicated to ensuring the input of African Americans and other minorities into the discussions and developments of energy policies regulations, R&D technologies, and environmental issues. Learn more about AABE at https://www.aabe.org/.
Media Contacts:
Alisha Brown
African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs
[email protected] / 901-849-0820
Camille Moore
The American Association of Blacks in Energy
[email protected] / 202-713-0832
